Dr. Sonya Zhang
Dr. Sonya Zhang is a Professor of Computer Information Systems at Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Business Administration. She holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University, an M.S. in Computer Science, and an MBA from Illinois State University.
Her research focuses on five key areas:
- Data Science & AI – Specializing in data visualization, machine learning, and NLP using Python and no-code tools, along with web and mobile analytics (Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager).
- Digital Product Management – Exploring product ideation, development, and strategy.
- Web & Software Development – Building user-friendly, scalable web and software solutions with cloud integration and agile practices.
- Internet Entrepreneurship – Studying how online businesses start, grow, and succeed.
- Technology-Enhanced Learning – Researching digital education and innovative teaching methods.
Dr. Zhang co-authored The Smarter Startup: A Better Approach to Online Business for Entrepreneurs. Her research appears in leading journals such as the Journal of Computer Information Systems, ACM Interactions, International Journal of Business Analytics, and many more. She has also presented at major conferences, including HICSS, AMCIS, and IEEE.
As Director of Partnerships for nine research centers at Cal Poly Pomona, she leads strategic initiatives, builds industry collaborations, and connects students and faculty with real-world opportunities.
Before academia, she worked as a software engineer for over seven years in health informatics and higher education, contributing to ERP, business intelligence, CMS, eLearning, and eHealth projects. Her combined industry and academic experience helps bridge the gap between technology and business.
ProductFolio for Digital Product Management
The Smarter Startup: A Better Approach to Online Business for Entrepreneurs