Star Gao, PhD, MBA, PMP
Program and Operations Specialist
Star Gao supports the Institute for Compensation Studies’ research, educational programming, events, communications, and operational activities. She coordinates projects and initiatives that advance the Institute’s mission of improving understanding of compensation, rewards, and the future of work through research, education, and practitioner engagement. ICS is an interdisciplinary center within Cornell University’s ILR School that researches and communicates about monetary and non-monetary rewards from work and their impact on individuals, organizations, and economies.
Before joining ICS, Star built extensive experience in program management, higher education administration, stakeholder engagement, and strategic operations. She has led professional development programs, conferences, webinars, workshops, and collaborative initiatives involving academic, industry, nonprofit, and government partners across more than 30 countries.
Star earned her MBA from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She was recognized with Cornell’s Community Builder Award for fostering collaboration and engagement across diverse communities. Her professional interests include organizational effectiveness, workforce development, program evaluation, and building partnerships that create meaningful impact.