Ann is an accomplished higher education professional with an international academic and commercial background spanning China and the UK. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM, with Distinction) in International Trade and Commercial Law from Durham University, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB, top grade) in Criminal Justice from Shanghai University. Following her postgraduate studies, Ann began her career in academic research at the International Merger & Acquisition Centre, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, with publications in China on various legal topics.

She later transitioned into the commercial sector, where she gained eight years of extensive experience as Executive Assistant to CEOs within SMEs across London and the Northwest. This period strengthened her strategic thinking, organisational leadership, and contributions at senior level, before she returned to higher education and joined the University of Chester in 2019.

At Chester Business School, Ann has undertaken a wide range of academic and leadership responsibilities, including Co-Course Leader for BA Business Management, Course Leader for Business Management and Administration Top-Up course, Module Leader across Business Management and Banking & Finance courses, as well as Foundation School and International Collaboration Link Tutor. She is committed to high-quality teaching and providing continuous academic and pastoral support for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Bilingual and bicultural, Ann brings a global perspective to her work and is highly experienced in supporting international students. Her areas of research include international student experience, student expectations and motivation, students as partners, and support for direct-entry learners. Ann has delivered talks and shared practices across these interconnected areas, alongside work on coaching-informed one-to-one student support, authentic assessment, and coherent assessment strategies that enhance student learning journey.

Ann is recognised for her inclusive, empowering leadership approach and for creating learning cultures grounded in trust, reflection, and shared responsibility.