Dr. Duan earned her Ph.D. from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), specializing in Integrated Marketing Communication. With experience at leading integrated marketing communication consultancies, she designed and executed promotional and digital marketing campaigns for multiple international brands in China. While at a market research firm in Singapore, she conducted quantitative research and analysis for Singaporean government agencies, focusing on consumer attitudes, market assessment, segmentation, and brand engagement. She holds master's and bachelor's degrees from Korea University and Sun Yat-sen University, respectively.

Dr. Duan's research interests include digital marketing, social media, influencer marketing, brand communication, consumer psychology and behavior. She has published articles in journals such as the International Journal of Communication and Global Media and China, and presented her research multiple times at the Annual International Communication Association Conference as a first author. Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for journals such as the Journal of Advertising and the International Journal of Communication.