Dr. Jane Liu: Bridging Economics and Fashion with Creativity

Dr. Jane Liu is not your typical economics professor. A distinguished economist, researcher, and educator, she has contributed pioneering insights to macroeconomics and finance. But beyond the world of datasets and economic models, she steps into a different spotlight—gracing the runways of Omaha Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week, blending intellect with artistry in a way that defies convention. Her ability to merge two seemingly unrelated worlds—economics and fashion—showcases a deep appreciation for creativity as both a method and a means of exploration.

From an early age, Dr. Liu was captivated by the power of creative thinking to make the world both more beautiful and more functional. This mindset has shaped her approach to both research and fashion. “Research is like art,” she says. “It requires imagination, innovation, and the ability to see connections where others do not.” Like fashion, good research isn’t just about understanding what has come before—it’s about applying a spark of creativity to analyze a new problem, explore an emerging market, or approach an established question from a fresh perspective. In both fields, she sees a challenge to push boundaries, redefine norms, and introduce new ways of thinking.

Dr. Liu is among the first researchers to study the relationship between cryptocurrency and traditional stock markets. Her research explored a new financial landscape, asking critical questions about how digital assets interact with traditional investments. She provided empirical evidence that stock markets and cryptocurrency markets are closely connected, particularly during economic downturns, raising important questions about crypto’s ability to serve as a hedge against volatility. Additionally, her work on monetary aggregation theory has reshaped discussions on how central banks measure and interpret money supply—an insight that has influenced financial policy debates. By merging rigorous quantitative methods with innovative thinking, her research has not only expanded the frontier of knowledge but also provided clarity in complex, rapidly evolving financial sectors.

With 13 publications in economics and finance, Dr. Liu’s work has been presented at leading institutions, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, the Bank of England, MIT, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and the University of Zurich. Her contributions, particularly in financial economics and cryptocurrency, have been recognized globally, and she currently serves as an Associate Editor for Open Economies Review.

Her achievements extend well beyond academia. In the fashion industry, Dr. Liu has captivated audiences as a model, walking for Omaha Fashion Week and Kansas City Fashion Week. Her striking presence even landed her in Vogue Magazine as part of the 2023 Tony Awards’ Best Red Carpet Moments—a testament to her ability to turn heads not only in lecture halls but also on the runway.

Dr. Liu’s fashion creativity is evident in her ability to curate and style unique looks that combine sophistication with bold, modern aesthetics. Whether she’s wearing a flowing, avant-garde gown on the runway or styling a sleek, power-dressing ensemble for an event, her fashion choices reflect a deep understanding of form, balance, and aesthetic innovation. She has collaborated with designers across Nebraska, Kansas, and beyond, using her platform to showcase their work and embody the artistry behind each design. Her ability to bring a fresh, intellectual perspective to fashion challenges traditional notions of what a professor should look like.

Her commitment to creativity extends to the classroom as well. Dr. Liu believes education should be engaging, interactive, and structured to encourage deep understanding. Her students appreciate her ability to break down complex economic theories into digestible concepts with real-world applications. As one student noted, “Professor Liu’s enthusiasm for this subject is infectious. She has an incredible skill for connecting with individual students and prioritizing their questions despite her busy schedule.” Another praised her innovative course design, stating, “The shorter videos and quizzes in between make it easier to retain information. Her teaching style is incredibly effective.”

Through her dedication to both academia and the arts, Dr. Liu is redefining what it means to be a scholar. Her commitment to creativity—whether through research, fashion, or teaching—demonstrates that intellectual pursuits and artistic expression are not opposites but deeply intertwined.

Dr. Jane Liu challenges disciplinary boundaries, proving that creativity spans fields and has the power to shape, inspire, and transform the world. Whether she is advancing economic research, teaching the next generation of economists, or walking the runway, she exemplifies how rigor, imagination, and passion can break stereotypes—and she’s only getting started.

More on Dr. Jane Liu's research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ODyRQ6MAAAAJ&hl=en
Follow Dr. Jane Liu on Instagram: @jane552211

Dr Jane Liu's website: https://sites.google.com/view/jinanliu/home

More about Dr. Jane Liu: https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-business-administration/college-profile-and-directory/jinan-liu.php