Remembering Yiran Fan

This message was sent by Dean Amanda Woodward to faculty, students, and staff in the Division fo the Social Sciences on Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Dear colleagues,

With great sadness, I write to let you know that Yiran Fan, a doctoral student in the joint Financial Economics program of the Booth School of Business and the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, was the victim of a homicide on Saturday, January 9, 2021. As President Zimmer and Provost Lee wrote earlier today in their message to the University community, this is a shocking and senseless tragedy. 

Yiran was a member of our community of scholars since 2014, when he matriculated into the Financial Mathematics master’s program. Following that, he worked as a research professional for faculty both in Griffin Economics and in Booth and joined the joint PhD program in 2017. His research combined insights from economic dynamics and corporate theory to better understand the regulation of financial institutions and markets. He was an active participant and organizer of a student workshop in macroeconomics and finance. Yiran was an exceptional researcher, student, and colleague.

During this difficult time, it is important that we support one another and seek support when needed. Student Wellness is available to any student who would like help during this time. To schedule an appointment or for more information on the programs offered, please call 773-702-9800 or visit http://wellness.uchicago.edu/. In addition, Kelly Pollock, Dean of Students, and her team are available as well. They can be reached at ssd-dos@uchicago.edu. 

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are also with Yiran’s family and friends. A virtual memorial will be organized in the coming days, so that we can come together as a community to remember and mourn Yiran. I will share those details as they are available.

In sadness,

Amanda Woodward
Dean of the Division of the Social Sciences
William S. Gray Distinguished Service Professor of Psychology