ASU professor recognized for intellectual contributions to the information systems field

Pei-yu “Sharon” Chen, Department of Information Systems chair in the W. P. Carey School of Business and Red Avenue Foundation Professor, was awarded the title of Distinguished Fellow by the Information Systems Society of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.

Distinguished fellows are selected based on scholarly contributions, including publications that have made a significant impact on theory, research and practice; intellectual leadership through editorial appointments; and mentorship of young researchers and doctoral students. 

“This award is considered one of the highest honors in the IS field. I feel honored for the selection committee’s recognition,” said Chen, who leads the AI and Data Analytics Initiative for business and society at the W. P. Carey School.

The society recognized Chen and others who have made outstanding intellectual contributions to the information systems field on Oct. 15 during the annual Conference on Information Systems and Technology. Chen gave an acceptance speech after receiving the award.

“It was quite emotional for me to share my journey thus far, through which I hope to encourage junior folks in the field,” Chen said. “I feel very fortunate to do a job I deeply love.”

Chen was selected for the award based on her significant impact on information systems practice through research in switching cost, bundling and information goods pricing; contributions to health care analytics; user content generation and software security; supervision and mentorship of young scholars and doctoral students; and editorial roles.

She has served as associate editor of Management Science since 2009, Information Systems Research from 2006–09 and 2016–21, and as senior editor of Information Systems Research since 2022.

W. P. Carey faculty member Pei-yu "Sharon" Chen was recognized for outstanding intellectual contributions to the IS field on Oct. 15 during the annual Conference on Information Systems and Technology. Courtesy photo

Chen’s recent research focuses on data analytics, IT-enabled strategies, open innovation and AI applications and impacts.

Leading business journals have published her work, including Management Science, Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Operations Research and Production and Operations Management. The W. P. Carey School of Business awarded Chen the Dean’s Distinguished Career Research Award in 2021.

Much of her research has triggered industry interests and businesses have implemented it. Chen has also worked with corporate partners in research in e-commerce, education, financial services, information technology, health care, manufacturing and retailing.

Professionally, she has served as co-chair for several premier conferences and workshops, and has been invited to speak at leading research universities and participate in several conferences and workshops as a speaker or panalist.

Before joining ASU, Chen served on the faculty at Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University and Fox School of Business, Temple University. She received her PhD from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She became chair of W. P. Carey’s information systems department in the summer of 2021.

“I truly appreciate all the support and inspiration from W. P. Carey and ASU; it’s what helps me enjoy doing what I do,” Chen said.