Alan R. Dennis Doctoral Award

Where is your hometown?

I am from Tehran, Iran’s capital and largest city, located in a country renowned for its historical depth, environmental diversity and natural beauty.

Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?

I chose Smith School of Business at Queen’s University because it offers a rare combination of academic excellence, strong mentorship and a supportive research culture. From the beginning, I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on rigorous inquiry, collaboration and real-world impact. Completing my master’s degree here confirmed that I had found the academic environment I had long aspired to be part of. Inspired by this experience, and guided by outstanding faculty, I chose to continue my doctoral studies at Smith to further develop my research and contribute meaningfully to the field.

What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?

My favorite experience at Queen’s has been working on my research projects, where I had the opportunity to develop my ideas under the guidance of my supervisors. Through close collaboration and thoughtful feedback, I learned how to transform theoretical concepts into rigorous, impactful research. This experience strengthened my analytical skills, deepened my academic confidence and clarified my long-term research goals. It was especially meaningful to work in an environment that values mentorship, curiosity and intellectual growth.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

After completing my studies, I aim to build a career in academia as a professor. My strong interest in both research and teaching has continually motivated me to pursue advanced graduate training. I am especially eager to engage in innovative research that generates meaningful progress in management analytics.

What is one interesting fact about you?

One interesting fact about me is that I started in industrial engineering and never thought I would study in a business school. Over time, I realized that it can be connected to management analytics, as both fields are built on strong mathematical foundations. This understanding encouraged me to pursue my master’s at Smith and later continue into a PhD to deepen my research skills in this area.

Research Overview

Shervin’s research aims to enhance emergency care for older adults presenting after a fall by systematically addressing three critical stages of clinical decision-making. First, it evaluates whether a fall reflects an underlying geriatric syndrome rather than an isolated injury through the development of a data-driven risk stratification tool. Second, it identifies the most clinically effective and resource-efficient combination of diagnostic tests to confirm or exclude this risk. Third, it determines the optimal discharge disposition and post-discharge care plan based on patients’ risk profiles and clinical characteristics.

By integrating electronic health record data with advanced machine learning and optimization methods, this project models the complete emergency care pathway from initial assessment to discharge. Through a comprehensive, systems-level approach, the research seeks to reduce avoidable repeat visits and hospitalizations, improve patient safety and functional outcomes, and strengthen efficiency and consistency in healthcare delivery.

Where is your hometown?

I am from Guangzhou, a city in southern China. My family and I are newcomers to Canada, and we began our new journey in 2020 when we arrived in Vancouver. In 2022, I received an offer from Smith, which brought us to Kingston, Ontario.

Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?

Before immigrating to Canada, I worked as a lecturer in the School of Economics at a university in China. After moving to Canada, I wanted to continue pursuing my academic dreams, so I conducted extensive research to find the best and most suitable PhD program in Canada. I chose Smith because of its academic rigor and its emphasis on a supportive, human-centered approach to education. Smith’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive academic environment aligns with my values and goals. Additionally, the program’s strong reputation for research excellence and its focus on real-world impact make it an ideal place for me to advance my academic career.

What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?

When I first enrolled in the Smith PhD program, I was pregnant, and balancing the demands of being a new mom with the challenges of starting a new academic term was not easy. However, I was deeply touched by the overwhelming support I received from the faculty, administration, and my peers. Their encouragement and understanding helped me navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase of my life, allowing me to balance motherhood with my academic pursuits. The mentorship I received and the collaborative spirit of the Smith community truly exemplify the program’s values of empathy, inclusivity, and excellence.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

I aim to find a faculty position in North America, specializing in MIS research and teaching. I plan to continue focusing on my research domain, cybersecurity, contributing to the field through innovative studies and practical applications.

What is one interesting fact about you?

My dog Lucky, adopted in the U.S., has been my loyal companion across three countries — she's now thriving in Kingston!

Research Overview

AI in Cybersecurity

Tiancong’s doctoral research focuses on the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, particularly its use in phishing attacks and countermeasures. By applying a human-centered information systems (IS) perspective, the research investigates how AI enhances phishing tactics while also providing innovative detection tools. A key aspect is the development of an AI-based phishing susceptibility framework that examines how AI-generated deceptive content affects users' ability to identify threats. Additionally, the research explores how AI influences trust, decision-making, and autonomy in cybersecurity. With strong theoretical and practical implications, the findings aim to inform public policy, organizational security strategies, and user education. Tiancong has presented work at leading IS conferences, including AMCIS 2023 and ICIS 2024, with plans to contribute further at HICSS 2025, leveraging these opportunities for collaboration and continued academic growth.