Kanghyun (Simon) Cho: Advancing AI and Automation in Finance and Healthcare.

PhD Business Administration, FOX

Kanghyun (Simon) Cho is a fourth-year PhD candidate in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems at Temple University's Fox School of Business. His research focuses on human-algorithm interactions in high-stakes domains where even small algorithmic decisions can have significant impacts on individuals, organizations, and society. Kanghyun is dedicated to proposing strategies that minimize harm and enhance efficiency in implementing AI augmentation and automation, particularly within the finance and healthcare sectors.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What led you to pursue graduate school here at Temple University?

Temple University's Fox School of Business, particularly its MIS concentration, has an exceptional reputation for research productivity on a global scale. During my master's studies at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea, I frequently encountered research papers authored by Temple faculty that left a profound impression on me. The depth, novelty, and impact of their work stood out, making it clear that this was the environment where I could further my academic pursuits. In many ways, those research papers served as powerful promotional materials; the quality and significance of the research being produced at Temple convinced me that it was the ideal place to pursue my PhD.

What impact do you hope your research will have in your field?

My research focuses on human-algorithm interactions in high-stakes domains like fintech and healthcare. In fintech, I examine how algorithmic trading bots affect human traders, while in healthcare, I investigate how to design clinical workflows that integrate doctors and algorithms in ways that are both ethical and efficient. My overarching goal is to influence the development of policies, systems, and human-algorithm collaborations that not only enhance business practices but also contribute positively to society. My research goal is to establish safeguards for the implementation of AI, ensuring that society can harness the efficiency and capabilities of this technology while maintaining ethical standards and preventing biased reliance on it. Ultimately, I hope my work will guide the responsible integration of AI, benefiting the domains that I study and society at large.

How did you develop your research interests in trading bots and healthcare?

My interest in trading bots originated from my own experience in developing and deploying them. This practical involvement made me question the impact these bots could have on human traders, particularly in the largely unregulated online environment such as the cryptocurrency market. I began to investigate whether trading bots could potentially harm human traders and how we might craft policies that manage these bots effectively while balancing the protection of human traders with the benefits that automated systems can offer to the market. My focus on healthcare developed from my experience as a government official in South Korea, where I was involved in policymaking for healthcare. I witnessed the immense pressure doctors face, leading to burnout and fatigue, a challenge not only in South Korea but globally. This exposure made me acutely aware of the critical need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery. I became intrigued by how technology, particularly algorithms, could be leveraged to enhance medical practice, making it more efficient while upholding ethical standards. This dual focus on trading bots and healthcare reflects my commitment to exploring how technology can be both a powerful tool and a responsible partner in complex and high-stakes environments.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in this program? How did you overcome them?

One of the major challenges I have encountered is bridging the gap between academic research and practical application. Often, practitioners view academic work as too theoretical, while academia demands rigorous methods and strong theoretical contributions. To navigate this, I have made it a priority to engage with practitioners early in my research process. By listening to their needs and integrating their insights, I have been able to shape my research questions to address real-world concerns without compromising academic integrity or methodological rigor. Additionally, involving practitioners as co-authors or collaborating closely with them has allowed my research to directly respond to practical needs while maintaining the high standards required in academia. This approach has enabled me to effectively balance the expectations of both the academic community and industry professionals.

Who do you consider your community at Temple, and how have they impacted your journey?

I would say that my community extends beyond my MIS concentration, and even beyond the Fox School of Business. The interdisciplinary collaboration here is invaluable, and I have worked with professors across various disciplines, which has enriched my research perspective. My advisors, Dr. Jason Thatcher and Dr. Jaehwuen Jung, have also been instrumental as well. Dr. Thatcher, who continues to advise me after moving to the University of Colorado Boulder, has guided me in seeing the broader impact of my research and crafting its narrative. Meanwhile, Dr. Jung has ensured that my work is grounded in rigorous scientific methodology and replicable practices. Together, they’ve provided me with a well-rounded approach that blends strong storytelling with scientific precision.