This fall the Engler College of Business welcomed three new faculty members, including two Assistant Professors, and one Instructor.
Dr. Ashley Escudero has joined us as Assistant Professor or Economics. She is currently teaching Macro Economics, which she will do again in the Spring along with Labor Economics. “I’m interested in health and labor economics, especially the interaction of these two fields where labor market policies influence health outcomes,” she said, indicating her research interests as well as teaching.
She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Dallas, her master’s degree from the Engler College of Business, and her PhD from Texas Tech. She also taught Algebra 1 at Amarillo High School for three years, and is certified to teach math 7-12 in the state of Texas.
In her spare time, she has two smaller dogs and loves getting to play with them and take them on walks. “I also enjoy going to football games on the weekend, and I love traveling and tennis,” she added.
Given her academic journey at WT sandwiched between two large universities, she has found herself loving the smaller, friendlier size here. “I like that everyone is always friendly and willing to help with whatever is going on. There is always a friendly face in the hallways!”
Dr. Jingyi Tian, Assistant Professor of Business Analytics, comes to us with a PhD in Economics from University of Southern California. She was also a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Houston’s Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute.
“This fall I’m teaching CIDM/FIN 4308 Data Analytics, CIDM 6308 Seminar in Data Analytics, and CIDM 6355 Data Mining Methods. I also look forward to teaching CIDM 6312 Seminar in Information Visualization in the upcoming semesters,” she said.
Along with her academic background, Jingyi also has extensive industry experience. “Before joining WTAMU, I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams on AI-driven analytics for supply chains, digital platforms, and auction design. I’ve also worked closely with industry partners on applying data-driven decision tools in procurement and pricing.”
Her research interests are complex and lengthy. “My research explores how AI and machine learning algorithms shape decision-making in digital marketplaces—for example, algorithmic bidding in procurement auctions, data-exchange platforms, and personalized matching between consumers and advertisers. I’m especially interested in how these technologies influence market efficiency, fairness, and strategic behaviors,” she explained.
Outside the office, she is an enthusiast for choreography and hip-hop dancing, and also enjoys playing tennis. The Engler College of Business has already started to grow on her. “I’m grateful for the warm and welcoming community at the College of Business. I especially appreciate the student-centered culture and the collegial, collaborative spirit among faculty and staff, which makes it an inspiring place to teach, research, and grow.”
Ms. Emma Weinheimer, CPA, joins us as a Part-Time Instructor of Accounting. She earned her BBA/MAcc from West Texas A&M University in 2023, and her CPA licensure in 2025. She teaches Principles of Financial Accounting. Her research interests center around tax accounting, as well as farm and ranch managerial accounting.
Her bio reads like that of a true West Texan, as she is reportedly more comfortable in the seat of a John Deere combine than a standard desk chair. Rather than sit idly by during the farming off-season, she studied hard and earned her CPA so that she could give back to the agricultural community by serving as a tax accountant. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family, engaging in outdoor activities, and listening to music.