Hi! I'm Summer Zhao. I earned my PhD in Accounting from UC Berkeley in December 2025, and I will join Santa Clara University as an Assistant Professor of Accounting in Fall 2026.

I conduct empirical capital markets research in accounting, with a particular focus on how disclosures by management and analysts in earnings conference calls affect capital market participants. I utilize machine learning (ML) methods or large language models (LLMs) to extract valuable insights from corporate disclosures.

Before pursuing my PhD, I had work experience in auditing, accounting advisory services, and corporate accounting across various industries. Outside of academic research, I enjoy being in nature, exploring museums, reading, cooking, and spending time with my toddler daughter.