Events and news
2026
The Kohl Centre welcomes Chenguang S. Wang, a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Virginia Tech, jointly sponsored by Dawei Zhou (the Department of Computer Science, the Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics), Lu Zhang (Myers-Lawson School of Construction), and Le Wang (the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics’ Kohl Centre). He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stony Brook University.
Chenguang’s research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, data science, and decision-making systems, with an emphasis on advancing robust and trustworthy Large Language Models (LLMs) for real-world applications. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating machine learning methods with insights from economics and policy to develop AI systems that support complex societal decisions.
He is particularly interested in designing AI systems that are reliable, controllable, and aligned with human objectives, especially in high-stakes domains such as disaster response, resource allocation, and public decision support. Through cross-disciplinary research, his work aims to enhance the societal impact of AI technologies and ensure they contribute responsibly to economic and social systems.
The Kohl Centre and Le Wang look forward to working with him on research impact projects, particularly those that translate advances in AI and data science into practical tools for policy analysis, economic decision-making, and public-sector innovation.
Le Wang
- Presented seminar "Econometrics of Intergenerational Mobility" at the Murphy-Economics Seminar at Tulane University.
2025
Le Wang
- Presented “A Functional Quantile Approach to Estimating Intergenerational Mobility” in the Inequality and Mobility session at the Southern Economic Association Annual Conference
- Recognized in a university-wide survey as an outstanding researcher, identified by peers as someone whose work they strive to emulate. As a result of this recognition, Dr. Wang was invited to join the inaugural cohort of the IREI (Innovative Research and Ethical Impact) Fellows Program — a prestigious initiative led by Virginia Tech’s Office of Research and Innovation and funded by the NSF.
- Served as keynote speaker at two prestigious global events: 1) the 5th Annual SEEDS Conference on Global Development hosted by Georgia Institute of Technology, and 2) the Fifth Forum of China’s Intergenerational Mobility
Mario Ortez
- Podcast: Coffee lovers, brace yourselves — prices are up 41% since Fall 2024! On the November 8 episode of Just Asking with Saroja Coelho, guest Ortez broke down what’s really brewing behind those numbers — from supply chains to climate change. Ortez's interview begins 15 minutes and 19 seconds into the podcast.
- Spoke at the Agribusiness Management Producer’s Meeting
Southern Regional Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
Challenge: Mario A. Ortez recently participated as a finance mentor and panelist at the 2024 Southern Regional Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, hosted by Virginia Tech in Radford, VA. The Challenge aims to develop future dairy leaders by promoting education, communication, and networking among students, dairy producers, and industry professionals. He shared insights with students from various schools across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic about financial tools for on-farm decision-making and career opportunities in the agrifood sector. The Centre's namesake, David Kohl was the keynote speaker.
Causality and Machine Learning/AI workshop
Workshop: The Kohl Centre hosted a workshop in November to explore the vital connections between causality and machine learning/AI technologies. The day-long event attracted presenters and participants from Cornell University, Georgetown University, University of Chicago, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Arkansas, UC Irvine, and from departments across Virginia Tech.
Conference presentation
Conference: Le Wang, Professor and David M. Kohl Chair, shared insights on the functional quantile regression approach to estimating intergenerational mobility at a recent conference at the University of Chicago. The event focused on ‘Recent Advances in Inequality and Mobility’ and brought together top scholars in the field, fostering valuable dialogue and collaboration.
Industry stakeholder meeting
Industry meeting: AAEC met with key stakeholders, Farm Credit, Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Soybean Association, and Virginia State Dairymen's Association, to present the Kohl Centre leadership and to share updates on the department and Commodity Investment by Students organization projects. The focus was on fostering collaboration and enhancing experiential learning opportunities for our students.
