Research Journeys: Spring 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium

Dean of Arts and Sciences David Atwill, who introduced the humanities and social science presentations, also spoke about the role of student research at NYU Shanghai. “Being at a university is all about the production of knowledge,” he said. “The students are what makes this university special; the research they are presenting is what we are all here for.”

The attendees were, as always, an enthusiastic audience for the students’ research presentations. Assistant Professor of Sociology Miao Jia said she attends every year and always enjoys hearing students introduce their individual projects. “I found that this symposium is not just a platform for our students to showcase their individual achievements, but also it is a chance to inspire others, including me,” she said. “I believe that the projects that the students presented here have inspired future explorations, spark curiosity, and help foster research culture at NYU Shanghai.” 

Humanities & Social Science A

Best Presentation

The Relationship Between Social Media & Political Polarization in the United States

Researcher: Helen Zhu ’24

Faculty Mentor: Tyler Haupert

Project Abstract: 

Political polarization is a key topic that has been and is still being studied within United States politics. In recent years, there has been a rise in political polarization, and social media usage has steadily increased. This paper will examine data collected from a survey of 609 respondents in the United States, where respondents answered questions regarding their social media usage, media trust, and attitudes towards the other political party. The project utilizes the survey results, looking at statistical significance to determine to what extent social media affects polarization. 

What was the most challenging aspect of your research?

I chose my topic since I had mainly taken classes in American Politics during my time at NYU. Since the project was for my capstone, picking that topic made the most sense. The most challenging part of the process was designing the research, specifically the survey questions. It was challenging to think of what questions to ask respondents and how to ask them. The questions had to be able to measure the dependent variable which was hard when the dependent variable of polarization is not something that is easy to measure. I advise other student researchers to definitely pick a topic you like since you’ll be working on the research for a while. 

Best Research Project 

Shifting Dynamics of Northbound Capital: Predictive Power and Trading Strategies in the Chinese Stock Market

Researchers: Luo Jingru ’25, Wu Siteng ’24, Pan Yilu ’24

Faculty Mentor: Zhou Xin

Project Abstract: 

This paper investigates the predictive power and trading logic of Northbound Capital in China's Stock Connect program. Employing data from November 2014 to October 2023, we analyze the influence of Northbound Capital on the Shanghai stock markets. Our study reveals a decline in predictive power post-2020, with Northbound Capital shifting preferences for companies with specific financial characteristics. We delve into short-term and long-term trading strategies of northbound capital, uncovering a dynamic approach that adapts to market conditions. The paper also highlights the impact of recent regulatory changes, showing how they reshape investment strategies and market dynamics. 

Why did you choose your topic?

We chose this topic because the northbound capital was in hot debate. Many people blamed the outflow of northbound capital for causing the downturn of the stock market. Many investors believe the northbound capital can predict the future returns of stocks and regulators were discussing curtailing real-time stock connect data. We were curious about this phenomenon and thus decided to research in the northbound capital.

What was it like working with your mentor?

The research is under the Volatility Institute at NYU Shanghai research assistant program and it is a one year program. Our mentor is Professor Zhou Xin, who is also the executive director of VINS. We met weekly to discuss the progress throughout the academic year. Professor Zhou offered a lot of insight and support to our research. We prepared a research report and  powerpoint slides each week. During the meeting, we presented our weekly progress to Professor Zhou and other teams who are also under the VINS research assistant program. So each week it was like a small research symposium for us. The regular meeting and discussion helped us maintain a good pace towards the final working paper and the symposium.

What did you learn from this research and presentation experience? 

Wu Siteng: I learned how to work with teammates from different backgrounds. I’m majoring in finance and data science, while my other team members are all about honors math. There were times when I had to break down financial concepts for them, and they helped me understand the math side of things. It was a great experience because we got to learn from each other and combine our strengths to make our project better.

Humanities & Social Science B

Best Presentation

After the Act: Post-Sex Behaviors and Their Correlates in Straight Chinese Couples

Researcher: Julie Yang ’24

Faculty Mentor: Pekka Santtila

Project Abstract:

The present study aimed to fill a gap in research by investigating how after-sex behaviors impact couples in China. As part of a randomized controlled trial for sensate focus intervention, forty-two Chinese heterosexual couples completed survey questions before and after the intervention, reporting on after-sex behavior, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, intimacy level, and sexual dysfunction. The results showed that less negative after-sex behaviors were associated with increased levels of relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning in women, while more negative after-sex behaviors were associated with increased levels of relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning in men. For both genders, less negative after-sex behaviors were associated with higher intimacy. The results also showed that the group who partook in the sensate focus intervention reported fewer negative after-sex behaviors compared to the control.

Why did you choose your topic?

Sex research often focuses on what happens during sex, but what happens immediately after is often overlooked. Additionally, most research on sex is done in a Western context, so by conducting this study among Chinese couples, we were able to fill a gap in the existing research.

What was it like working with your mentor?

Pekka is the most supportive mentor I could’ve asked for. I took his Psychology of Human Sexuality course in Spring 2023, and that's when my interest in sex research began to blossom. His lectures are thought-provoking, and he excels at fostering discussions and encouraging students to think critically about the topics at hand. On top of that, he is exceptionally intelligent and a very kindhearted person. Despite working on our project entirely remotely, he consistently showed his unwavering support for me. He is a true inspiration, and I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.

What did you learn from this research and presentation experience?

Taking the project one step at a time and celebrating those mini accomplishments is crucial. This research was part of my senior capstone, which lasted for two semesters. It was also the first time I've undertaken a research project of this scale. Though the process felt never-ending at times, celebrating each milestone made along the way was very important. For the presentation, I approached it like a musical composition, notating my words as if they were music. I wrote my speech down, highlighting words to accent and adding slashes between words to rest at. Incorporating movement into the speech also helped engage the audience. And as they say in music, practice makes progress!