christine at research symposiumName:  Christine Chen
Major and current year at UCI: senior business economics major with minors in statistics, digital information systems
Award: Charles A. Lave Paper Prize Award
Hometown: Temple City, CA

----- 

What excites you about business economics, data and technology?

I’m fascinated by the influence of technology on consumer behavior. I decided to major in business economics and minor in statistics and digital information systems because I wanted exposure to interdisciplinary skills and knowledge.

Every winter, summer, and spring break, I visit the library to borrow books written by renowned economists, professors, entrepreneurs, and journalists. Some of my favorite reads include How Google Works, Contagious, Who Gets What and Why, and How We Decide. I am inspired by the art of storytelling, especially when it’s evaluating technology through economic lenses. I aspire to write books/articles like those that I’ve read.

What activities did you get involved with as an Anteater?

On campus, I work as an intern at the Social Science Academic Resource Center and a research assistant at the Digital Learning Lab within the School of Education. I’m currently the co-campus coordinator for Her Campus Magazine at UC Irvine. I’ve also been involved in Women in Information and Computer Science and Students Consulting Non-Profit Organizations.

Within the past few years of college, I’ve competed in a few corporate and university hackathons with teammates. We’ve been awarded with the Best Daily Use Hack, Best Corporate Social Good Hack, and the Best Web Design award.

How has research guided your undergrad experience?

As a research assistant at the Digital Learning Lab, we are conducting studies to analyze student interactions and perceptions of classroom technology in online STEM classrooms within UC Irvine. I’ve also been working on an independent study to analyze the influence of Handshake website features on application outcomes, and the role of labor intermediaries in online matching markets.

Who has played an important role in your life thus far and why?

My parents, siblings, professors, and peers have played an important role in my life thus far. Their personal experiences, values, support, and advice have shaped my views and encouraged me to want more for myself and for others.

Tell us something unique about you – and how it’s played a role in your life.

As a marathon-runner, I’ve learned that working towards a large goal requires patience and consistency. Over the years, I’ve tried to apply this mindset to other aspects of my life.

Where can you most often be found on campus?

I can most often be found at the SSARC (SBSG 1230) giving 1-1 consultations about internships, graduate school, or research. They also have free resume printing services, bagel Fridays, and the most welcoming community.

After graduating in June, what’s next?

Post college, I plan to work as a research analyst within the tech industry. Taking this knowledge, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in analytics or economics to study matching markets and the influence of recommendation systems on consumer behavior. Eventually I would like to publish in a marketing or economic research journal.

connect with us

         

© UC Irvine School of Social Sciences - 3151 Social Sciences Plaza, Irvine, CA 92697-5100 - 949.824.2766