Welcome! I'm Kayson, a recent UC Santa Cruz graduate with four degrees in Business Management Economics, Cognitive Science (AI/HCI), Legal Studies, and Intensive Psychology.
Most of what shaped those four years happened outside the classroom, rebuilding a student government from near-zero membership into an org managing $100K+ a year, and turning a business club down to four board members into one of the most active on campus. What I keep finding I'm good at is walking into something unclear and building the structure that's missing.
These days I'm still doing research with a professor on a forthcoming book about populist economic ideas, wrapping up work with Merrill College, and spending time back home in the San Gabriel Valley with the people who matter most to me while looking for ways to get more involved in my community here.
I'm drawn to public service, policy, and work that actually reaches people. If you'd like to connect or collaborate, feel free to reach out at kqtang@kaysontang.com!
Outside of academics, Iām drawn to creative expression and sensory experiences in all their forms. I love discovering hidden restaurant gems (especially spots recognized by Michelin Bib Gourmand) and exploring how art shows up in everyday life. My interests span niche fragrances and the world of scent, music and the technology behind it (especially sound engineering), fashion and personal styling, and food as an art form, particularly through teas and milk tea beverages. That's why I'm proud to be a Yelp Elite!
Raised by my grandmother, who instilled in me the importance of kindness and generosity, I strive to carry those values into everything I do. My parents have also shaped my perspective--my father, a feng shui master, and my mother, a small business owner, have inspired me with their unwavering work ethic, discipline, and constant drive for growth, which motivate me to pursue excellence in all areas of my life. If you've read this far, I hope you spend some more time looking through the projects I'm proud of! š