What UROP Program(s) were you a part of?

2004-2005: Traditional UROP as a Sophomore in Social Sciences

2005-2007: Peer Adviser

What made you choose UROP?

I knew research was for me, and UROP made it easy to get right into it!

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

UROP got me started with the nuts and bolts of how to do research. It put in the foundation.

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor?

We're in touch to this day! We've given talks together at research symposia, and I gave a talk in her department.

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey?

UROP helped me see what broad types of research were out there. Particularly the interview stage led me to try out (even for 15 minutes) what it was like to think about particular disciplines. I talked to linguists, anthropologists, political scientists, and eventually my chosen field--social psychologists.

Where are you in your professional journey?

I'm an associate professor in behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I'm a professional researcher. It's my job now! I get to explore fascinating ideas, teach motivated young people, and travel the world to study different cultures.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

Explore different fields! People often feel a pressure to decide quickly, but you've got so much more time than you think. Try different fields to see which one speaks to you.

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of?

My research on rice versus wheat-farming cultures in China made the cover of Science! https://science.sciencemag.org/content/344/6184/603.full