Panel Title: Exploring the Interface of Technology, Analysis, and Communication Across Diverse Fields
Panel Moderator: Timothy Chumley (tchumley@mtholyoke.edu)
Panel Abstract (100-150 words)
How does a working environment differ from a learning environment? How do you effectively navigate your first internship or research experience? Transitioning from academic theories to practical applications presents unique challenges and opportunities. This panel presentation showcases how we navigated our first substantial internships, embracing the complexities of different sectors. Yaojia Lu explored voter demographic characteristics through statistical analysis; Boxiao Zhu worked on models of secondary infection by respiratory virus; Anh Thach enhanced real-time communication technologies at Microsoft; and Lilan Zhu analyzed trends in financial journalism. These experiences highlight our adaptation to real-world applications, moving from theoretical knowledge to practical execution. Central to our success was mastering effective communication—internally to collaborate with peers and mentors, and externally to engage with broader audiences or datasets.
Speaker 1 Name: Yaojia Lu
Speaker 1 Title: From Theory to Practice: Unpacking Voter Dynamics with Respondent-Driven Sampling
Speaker 1 Abstract: Last summer, my internship as a research assistant under Professor Isabel in the Statistics Department at MHC involved analyzing political data through Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). This endeavor aimed to estimate the national voter support and examine the voter's demographic characteristics for a specific political party. My responsibilities included conducting literature reviews on RDS and applying R programming to test assumptions within our dataset. This enlightening experience taught me to rapidly assimilate complex academic concepts and apply classroom-learned analytical skills to real-world datasets. Unlike the 'processed' datasets used in coursework, the raw nature of real-world data presented unique challenges, significantly honing my analytical capabilities. My presentation will explore the journey of my summer research, the rapid learning curve of new concepts, and the analytical challenges encountered. It will also highlight how theoretical knowledge is translated into practical insight, showcasing the dynamic interplay between academic study and empirical research.
Speaker 2 Name: Boxiao Zhu
Speaker 2 Title: Research in Mathematics: The Secondary Infection of Respiratory Viruses
Speaker 2 Abstract: Last summer, I worked as a research assistant in the Math Department of Mount Holyoke College. Led by two mentors, Timothy Chumley and Alanna Hoyer-Leitzel, I worked with another two students to study the secondary infection by respiratory viruses. We used a mathematical software, Matlab, to run simulations on differential equation mathematical models, investigating patterns with different quantities of virus and time intervals between infections. We generated visual charts based on model results to display changes in virus infection rates, providing an important scientific basis for public health decision making. The most important lesson I have learned is that, since getting familiar with new knowledge is always a difficult process, it is necessary to communicate with coworkers and actively ask for help.
Speaker 3 Name: Anh Thach
Speaker 3 Title: A Journey of Enhancing Global Communication at Microsoft Teams
Speaker 3 Abstract: Last summer, I served as a Software Engineer Intern at Microsoft, specifically within the Microsoft Teams division. My team was charged with the development and maintenance of real-time media services, a critical component in facilitating Teams meetings globally. Throughout my twelve-week internship, I focused on a project designed to mitigate disruptions during video calls. My responsibilities encompassed writing and deploying code, regularly consulting with my mentor to discuss progress and clarify any uncertainties, and participating in daily standup meetings. By devising and implementing efficient algorithms and solutions in C#, my contributions led to a notable 10% reduction in disruptions during conversations, enhancing the overall user experience.
Speaker 4 Name: Lilan Zhu
Speaker 4 Title: Navigating the Currents Trends of Financial News: Insights from an Internship at Phoenix TV
Speaker 4 Abstract: I served as an intern reporter in economics at Phoenix TV's "China In-depth Finance & Economics" channel, where I delved into the dynamic field of financial journalism. My role mainly involved analyzing weekly news trends and resources to gauge their suitability for our reports, alongside preparing and editing content for street interviews focused on the stock market. Additionally, I handled the collection and analysis of company financial data to create comprehensive region reports. This role presented a significant challenge as it was my first foray into this specialized area, demanding quick adaptation and a keen analytical perspective in line with our panel's theme. My presentation will primarily highlight the insights I gained into news trends and the critical role of data analysis in shaping financial reporting.
