Yuhao Zou
About Yuhao Zou
Yuhao Zou is a Director at Sallie Mae, where he has worked since 2020, focusing on big data analytics and model development for financial products. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine, and has extensive experience in credit risk analysis and loss forecasting.
Work at Sallie Mae
Yuhao Zou has been serving as a Director at Sallie Mae since 2020. In this role, he assists with internal and external audits and regulatory examinations. He manages loss forecasting activities for Sallie Mae's personal loans and conducts analyses on the company's student loan products. Previously, he held the position of Statistical Modeling Manager from 2018 to 2019, where he contributed to various modeling initiatives. During his tenure, he led the development of the Customer Lifetime Value model, marking a significant advancement for the company.
Education and Expertise
Yuhao Zou earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine, completing his studies from 2010 to 2015. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology from Nanjing University, which he obtained from 2006 to 2010. His educational background has equipped him with extensive knowledge in big data analytics, modeling, and reporting, particularly in the financial sector.
Background
Before joining Sallie Mae, Yuhao Zou worked at Discover Financial Services, where he held roles as a Senior Credit Risk Analyst and Project Manager in Loss Forecasting from 2015 to 2018. His experience includes conducting model-related analyses and managing projects related to credit risk. Additionally, he worked at UC Irvine as a Graduate Student, Research Assistant, and Teaching Assistant, gaining valuable research and teaching experience during his academic career.
Technical Skills
Yuhao Zou is fluent in several programming languages and platforms, including SAS, SQL, MatLab, Python, and Amazon AWS. His technical skills support his work in big data analytics and modeling, enabling him to effectively manage complex data sets and conduct detailed analyses. He has participated in the development of machine learning models, including a Customer Credit Score model, showcasing his proficiency in applying advanced analytical techniques.
Management Experience
As a highly-rated people manager, Yuhao Zou has managed teams of 3 to 6 individuals for over two years. His leadership experience includes overseeing team operations and fostering a collaborative environment. His management skills are complemented by his technical expertise, allowing him to guide his team effectively in achieving project goals.