From Brain Science to Finance: 

A Scholar's Interdisciplinary Journey

A Journey into Economic Thinking

Teacher Cai first passed around several one-dollar coins for the students to observe. Soon, everyone noticed that the reverse sides of these coins were imprinted with the iconic patterns of different states. "Money is not only a tool for transactions," she guided, "it is also a time capsule, carrying historical narratives and cultural imprints." A small coin instantly connected multiple perspectives from disciplines such as finance, history, and art. 

Then, she took out a box of pumpkin-flavored egg rolls she had brought from an American supermarket and posed a microeconomics question: "If you were the manufacturer, how would you price it?" The students gave their estimated prices one after another. Professor Cai used this to introduce core concepts such as scarcity, supply and demand, and consumer preferences. Finally, she revealed that the actual price of the box of egg rolls was extremely low. The students immediately began to analyze the logic behind it - was it a holiday promotion? Clearing inventory? Or a differential pricing strategy? Through this simple interaction, the complex mechanism of market price formation became clear and tangible. 

Interaction and Discussion

In response to one of the most frequently asked questions by students - "Does studying economics mean having to master a large amount of mathematics?", Teacher Cai provided a practical answer. She pointed out that the demand for mathematics in economics and finance is a broad spectrum: 

• For theoretical research directions (such as pursuing a doctorate), a solid foundation in mathematics is required to construct and validate models. 
  

• For applied practice directions (such as entering the banking, consulting, and investment fields), logical analysis, data processing, and economic intuition are given more emphasis.

She used her own family as an example: Her daughter, who excels in math competitions, can take advanced college-level math courses; meanwhile, many American students choose math courses of varying difficulties based on their interests and career plans. "The key is to find the intersection of your interests and goals," she encouraged, "and not be bound by the preconception that you must be good at math." 

During the Q&A session, the students asked questions enthusiastically. At the end, Teacher Cai encouraged everyone: Economics is a way of thinking about the world. Whether it's analyzing the pricing strategy of a supermarket or considering a social policy, one can try to dissect the logic of incentives, choices, and resource allocation behind it.