The Jeff McGill Graduate Fellowship

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Tehran, the capital city of Iran. It is a large and dynamic city with a rich cultural and academic environment, which shaped much of my educational journey.

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

I chose Smith School of Business, particularly the Management Analytics program, for several reasons. One important factor was the strong faculty in analytics and quantitative research. I was especially interested in the analytical and data-driven focus of the program.In addition, I had friends already studying in the same program who shared valuable insights about the academic structure, the collaborative environment and life in Kingston. Their experiences encouraged me to pursue my studies at Queen’s.

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

One of my favorite experiences was participating in the CORS program offered by Queen’s English Studies when I first arrived in Kingston. The program was designed to help new students become familiar with Canadian culture and the Queen’s academic environment.It created a supportive space where students could share experiences and learn from one another. That sense of community and cultural exchange made my transition much smoother and left a very positive impression on me.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

Teaching has always been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. I started teaching mathematics at the age of 15 in small nonprofit classes in my hometown. Later, I continued teaching in high school and eventually served as a teaching assistant in several engineering and business courses.After graduation, I aspire to join academia as a professor. I genuinely enjoy the process of teaching and learning, and I believe that teaching is a continuous learning journey. I often feel that I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me, which is one of the main reasons I am passionate about pursuing an academic career.

What is one interesting fact about you?

An interesting fact about me is that I started teaching at a very young age, and it shaped both my confidence and my career goals. Teaching helped me discover my passion for explaining complex ideas in simple ways and inspired my long-term goal of becoming a professor.

Research Overview

Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics Framework for Complex Healthcare Decision Processes

Morteza is broadly interested in applying machine learning and quantitative methods to improve decision-making in complex systems. His research focuses on healthcare applications, particularly fertility treatment, where he examines how integrating different types of clinical and patient-level data can enhance predictive accuracy. Through data-driven modeling, he aims to support better treatment planning and more efficient resource allocation.

Where is your hometown?

Tianjin, China – A major port city in northern China, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern development.

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

I first joined Smith through the MSc program during the pandemic years, a challenging time for international students as we were all confined to our homes. Despite these difficulties, the faculty at Smith, along with my supervisor, provided unwavering support to ensure my studies and research progressed smoothly. Their kindness and dedication made a significant impact on me. Smith not only offered me this opportunity but also stood by me during one of the most difficult times in my academic journey. I felt encouraged, included, and supported—this is why I chose to continue my PhD studies at Smith.

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

My favorite experience at Queen’s has been the supportive academic community. From engaging research seminars to mentorship from faculty, I’ve felt encouraged and inspired. The friendships I’ve built with peers, especially during challenging times, have made my journey even more rewarding. Queen’s truly feels like a second home.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

After graduation, I aspire to secure an Assistant Professor position in research at a university in North America. My goal is to contribute to academia through impactful research, mentorship, and collaboration while continuing to explore and advance the field of wildlife Operation Research.

What is one interesting fact about you?

Outside of my research, I am a passionate board game enthusiast. I enjoy exploring different game mechanics, strategy development, and the social interactions that come with playing.

Research Overview

Wildlife Operations Research

Yu’s research focuses on Wildlife Operations Research, developing strategies to manage wildlife efficiently with limited resources. He is involved in two key projects: one with a marine conservation organization and another with disease ecologists. The first project aims to reduce whale mortality caused by vessel collisions by proposing a dynamic Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) framework, which integrates real-time whale presence predictions and models mariners’ decision-making to minimize whale deaths while mitigating economic impacts on the shipping industry. The second project, part of the SOP4CWD initiative, uses mathematical modeling to optimize surveillance and prevention strategies for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in New York State, helping wildlife agencies allocate resources more effectively to maintain a CWD-free status and reduce long-term ecological and economic costs.