Cities are constantly evolving, shaped by the movement of people, changing economies and the policies that guide their growth. Understanding these transformations – and designing better cities for the future – is what drives Professor Jingwen Zheng’s work. Joining KDI School this fall as a new faculty member, she brings expertise in urban and real estate economics, along with years of experience in international development, to help students examine how urban policies influence communities around the world. 

Professor Zheng’s academic journey has taken her across multiple countries and disciplines. After earning her bachelor's degree in China, she pursued a master’s degree in public policy at Cornell University and then worked for several years at organizations including the World Bank. Those experiences deepened her interest in urban development and eventually led her to pursue a Ph.D. in public policy at George Washington University, where she specialized in urban and real estate economics.

Interestingly, her original career plans looked very different. As an undergraduate, she attended a university known for preparing students for diplomatic careers. Over time, however, she realized that diplomacy was not the best fit for her interests.

“I found that I was most drawn to asking my own research questions and developing independent perspectives,” she recalled. “I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to explore policy issues in depth and contribute new ideas.”  That realization naturally led her toward public policy and eventually to a career dedicated to understanding how cities function and how better policies can improve urban life. 

For Professor Zheng, cities offer an ideal setting for studying some of today’s most pressing policy challenges. From housing affordability to inequality and regional development, urban areas provide countless opportunities to examine how public policy affects people’s everyday lives. 

“Cities are changing every day,” she explained. “Urban transportation, housing, and public services are all issues we experience in everyday life. Urban economics allows us to study these challenges by drawing on economics, public policy, history, and planning.”

This fall, Professor Zheng will teach Regional Development and Public Policy, introducing students to concepts such as urbanization, agglomeration, housing and land markets, industrial clusters, and regional development strategies. Looking ahead, she hopes to offer dedicated courses in Urban and Real Estate Economics, Real Estate Finance, and Program Evaluation, providing students with opportunities to explore urban issues from multiple perspectives. 

While she is excited to share her expertise, Professor Zheng emphasizes that her greatest goal as an educator extends beyond teaching technical concepts. 

“I want students to think critically,” she said. “When they encounter a policy proposal, I want them to carefully assess both its strengths and its limitations rather than simply accepting someone else’s conclusions.” 

She also hopes students will develop the ability to adapt ideas to different national contexts. Drawing on KDI School’s internationally diverse student body, she encourages future policymakers to recognize that successful policies cannot simply be copied from one country to another without considering local realities. 

“I hope students can apply what they learn to real-world problems,” she explained. “Every country has a different context, so understanding what works, why it works, and whether it can work elsewhere is just as important as learning the theory.” 

One of the main reasons Professor Zheng chose KDI School was its uniquely international environment. Having worked in global development and traveled extensively, she is eager to learn from students representing a wide range of countries and professional backgrounds. 

“I’m always curious to learn about other people’s experiences and cultures through conversation,” she shared. “I also hope my students will feel comfortable approaching me.”  She believes that these diverse perspectives enrich classroom discussions while also inspiring new research questions that are relevant across different regions of the world. 

Beyond the classroom, Professor Zheng is looking forward to becoming an active member of the KDI School community. Through campus activities, cultural events, or simply getting to know colleagues and students on campus, she hopes to fully embrace the experiences that come with living and working in Korea. 

“I’m looking forward to learning about student activities, meeting people from different countries, and experiencing Korean culture,” she said. “I believe these experiences will bring new perspectives not only to my life but also to my teaching and research.” 

As she prepares for her first semester at KDI School, Professor Zheng is eager to build a classroom where curiosity, discussion, and diverse perspectives are at the center of learning. With a background that bridges international development, public policy, and urban economics, she hopes to equip students not only with analytical tools but also with the confidence to think critically, engage across cultures, and develop solutions to complex urban and regional challenges.