Academic background
Dr Zhichao Ma joined Loughborough University London (Institute for Digital Technologies) in September 2023.
Zhichao was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering from Newcastle University, UK, in 2021. Prior to joining Loughborough University London, Zhichao served as a Research Associate in the FinTrust Research Group within the School of Computing at Newcastle University, where her research focused on investigating the impact of financial technologies on the financial services industry. Upon completion of the FinTrust project, she was appointed as a Lecturer (Education) in the School of Computing at Newcastle University, where she delivered high-quality teaching across a broad range of computer science modules.
Enterprise activity
Zhichao has served as a part-time Data Scientist at Virgin Money since January 2024. Virgin Money was acquired by Nationwide Building Society in October 2024.
Current research interests
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can be leveraged to enhance service delivery within the financial services industry by enabling data-driven decision-making, improving operational efficiency, and delivering more personalised, secure and responsive customer experiences.
Zhichao’s research interests encompass a broad range of applications of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven methods in the financial services industry, including risk management and credit scoring; fraud detection and financial crime prevention; algorithmic trading and portfolio management; customer service and personalisation; operational efficiency and process automation; and cybersecurity and data protection.
Current collaborations
Research Support Programme – Bank of England
Zhichao leads the Research Support Programme at Loughborough University London. The Research Support Programme, launched annually by the UK’s central bank (Bank of England), is designed to foster collaboration between universities and the Bank of England, while providing master’s students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of research within the Bank.
Teaching experience
Zhichao has delivered teaching across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in data science and computer science. Her teaching portfolio includes modules on machine learning, applied data science, advanced programming and data visualisation, as well as specialised topics such as financial technologies, data analytics tools in the digital economy, and digital strategy.