On Thursday, 26 March, NYU Shanghai will host a Colloquium in Neuroeonomics featuring Kenji Doya of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Professor Doya will discuss the control of patience and serotonin.
This colloquium is one of the monthly Shanghai Colloquium Series. It aims to promote interdisciplinary discussion among many scholars in Shanghai who study Decision Making. The cooperative brings together scholars from all of the Shanghai Universities and Institutes on a regular basis, and holds monthly colloquium in Neuroeconomics at NYU Shanghai’s campus in Pudong. The monthly colloquium also brings internationally recognized speakers from Asia, Europe and the Americas to Shanghai. Each colloquium is followed by a Q&A session as well as an informal reception.
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Shanghai Urban Commuter Challenge Highlights NYU Poly Incubator Company
The Ford Motor Company recently invited digital developers to come to the aid of commuters in major world cities by designing software that could help enhance their quality of life.
One of the submissions came in from a company called Bandwagon. It is based at Urban Future Lab, the innovative clean-tech incubator in Brooklyn, N.Y., a partnership between NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering and The City and State of New York. Bandwagon’s submission to the Ford Shanghai Urban Commuter Challenge turned the judge’s heads – the company’s rideshare entry came in second place overall, garnering a $7,000 prize.
For its Shanghai rideshare submission, Bandwagon – launched in 2013 – conducted extensive research on the city’s transportation infrastructure, while developing the mobile web version of its software for this context.
The Bandwagon team ultimately developed a mobile web application and “hub-view” that lets commuters at crowded airports and other transportation hubs see passengers and departing rides in the vicinity. This mobile web application, light-weight and relatively easy to deploy, reduces the need for physical hardware. It would enable Shanghai residents to deploy Bandwagon’s sharing networks at their most crowded transportation centers.
And the Shanghai Urban Challenge judges were clearly impressed by its potential to help commuters in the city, population 14.35 million, and home of NYU Shanghai.
Bandwagon is led by CEO David Mahfouda, and its top staff includes Ugur Inanc, Director of Operations. Inanc is a graduate of NYU Polytechnic who completed his master’s degree at New York University’s Management of Technology. The company operates in several U.S. metropolitan hubs, such as Newark International Airport, where it partnered with United Airlines Eco-Skies as the program’s ridesharing provider, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Internationally, Bandwagon works in the Quebec region, and is in talks with other major transportation hubs in the North Atlantic region.
NYU Shanghai To Host HackShanghai – China’s Largest College Hackathon
HackShanghai is a 24-hour programming marathon for the top college hackers in China. It will be held at NYU Shanghai on 15 – 16 November. Students work in teams to build a tech product within the time limit, competing for ¥100,000+ in prizes. Tech companies and startups will also be recruiting at the event.
HackShanghai is independently student-run by a group of students from NYU Shanghai. For more details, visit their website: http://www.hackshanghai.com
NYU Shanghai Welcomes its first Senior Executive in Residence
NYU Shanghai is pleased to welcome its first Senior Executive in Residence, Elizabeth Nien Tze Chen.
Ms. Chen recently retired from Goldman Sachs, where she spent almost two decades engaged in private wealth management, based at the firm’s Hong Kong office. Ms. Chen was a Managing Director of the firm and was responsible for leading Goldman’s private wealth management practice in all of Asia outside Japan. In 2013, the magazine Asian Private Banker profiled her as an industry leader. Currently, Ms. Chen is President and Managing Partner of Singulariteam Fund L.P., a fund management company specializing in early stage technology investments, headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. She is also a Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network.
In addition to her accomplishments in the world of business, Ms. Chen is an active philanthropist. She works to address the needs of children with autism, which affects as many as 1-2% of children in some countries, by serving as co-sponsor of the International Care-for-Autism Children’s Fund.
As Senior Executive in Residence, Ms. Chen will be on campus three days each month. She will be participating in campus intellectual life and available to meet with classes, student organizations, and attend events. Ms. Chen will share her experiences in the business world with students, providing a practitioner’s perspective, and leverage her extensive network to bring other senior executives to campus to engage with students.
U.S. Ambassador Max Baucus Speaks to Students at NYU Shanghai
On October 7, the United States Ambassador to China Max Baucus gave a talk at NYU Shanghai. This was his first event with students since assuming the Ambassadorship in March. Students from NYU Shanghai as well as East China Normal University (ECNU) attended the talk. Ambassador Baucus spoke about the importance of educational exchanges between the people of China and the people of the United States. He highlighted the collaboration between ECNU and NYU, and the establishment of NYU Shanghai, as consequential for U.S.-China relations.
In addition to touring the NYU Shanghai campus and meeting with the leadership of NYU Shanghai and ECNU, Ambassador Baucus also engaged with students. After his remarks, he entertained questions from students during a Q & A session. He also had informal conversations with students who came to meet him and introduce themselves at the conclusion of the event. He was eager to hear about their experiences at the first US-China degree-granting university in China.
NYU Shanghai Clinical Arts Professor Jian-Jun Zhang’s works featured in National Art Exhibition
NYU Shanghai clinical arts professor Jian-Jun Zhang’s works are featured in 12th National Art Exhibition in Beijing. “Rain between mountain and river, between sky and earth, not yet touching the ground; it is the moment of a process. At this moment it is rain and will become water when touching a surface,” says Zhang. In this project, Zhang highlights the moment of transition. “The mountain and river are not visible, but only in our imagination, a poetic landscape that is between the sky and earth. The calligraphy ‘dot’ becomes rain, as well as embodying the Chinese spirit.”
In this performance, images of calligraphy “dots” and words are projected onto three translucent silk scrolls, passing through one to the next. The video images evolve and change, as Zhang selectively adds to the scrolls, painting rain dots or characters with Chinese ink. Two assistants participate in the performance. When Zhang writes on a movable silk panel, they bring it with its ink dots into the space, spreading out the ink rain to the walls.
Classes of 2018 start in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai
On August 17, 2014, the incoming freshman at NYU Shanghai filled the dining hall of the new academic building to begin their NYU journey. They were welcomed by university leadership, faculty, staff, and students. Student body president Roxanne Roman told the class of 2018 that they have much to look forward to, saying, “You will meet people who teach you how to live, how to laugh, and how to love.”
Just a few days later, the NYU Abu Dhabi class of 2018 was welcomed by the NYU Abu Dhabi community. Recent graduates from NYU AD’s inaugural class of 2014 sent words of encouragement and advice to the freshman. Sahar Kazemini, NYU AD class of 2014, told them “Don’t be afraid to change and try new things.”
We wish the new classes the best of luck!
Studying Abroad in Shanghai – a chat with David Tian
Can you tell me your school affiliation in NY, your major, and your year?
I’m at the Stern School of Business and plan on majoring in Actuarial Science and Finance with a minor in Math. I’m currently a sophomore and plan on graduating in 2016.
What made you decide to study in Shanghai?
The major reason I wanted to study here is because I wanted to improve my Mandarin. I went to Chinese school from when I was 5-12 years old, but have since lost most of my ability to read and write the language.
How has the experience been thus far?
It’s amazing. I’m actually in love with studying abroad in Shanghai. I’ve visited so many places, experienced different things, and most of all, gotten to meet and befriend so many amazing people not only in the Study Away program, but also some others who go to NYUSH. I know that when I reflect on my NYU college experience, my study abroad time here in Shanghai will be my most memorable semester.
What has been most surprising?
Coming to NYUSH, I wasn’t really expecting much school spirit. So I was a tad bit overwhelmed at the sheer amount of people present during the NYU vs. Jiao-Tong Michigan basketball game. It was awesome to see all the support and I’m sure that the support and school spirit will only increase as new students come in the following years.
What has been most challenging?
I haven’t found anything in Shanghai to be particularly challenging for me – maybe getting used to the differences between Chinese society and American society; but I find it more interesting and funny than challenging. Perhaps the thing I struggle with the most is just knowing that I’m only here for a single semester.
I understand that you have been able to participate in sports while in Shanghai, can you tell me about that? What do you play and what is your position? Who do you compete against?
Right, so I’m on the basketball and soccer teams. Growing up in high school, I loved playing both basketball and soccer. However, most of my energy and training was focused onto becoming a stronger soccer player so basketball ended up just being something I played with friends. Coming to Shanghai and being able to play on both the basketball and soccer teams is a dream come true for me and a huge honor.
I don’t really have a set position on the basketball team, but I guess you could call me a small forward. The basketball team is competing in a men’s league, meaning that the teams we play against are older men (between 25-35 years old). However, we’ve played several high school and college basketball teams and I’m proud to say that we’re undefeated.
For soccer, I only joined about two-thirds into the season as a defender because the soccer team needed an extra player due to injuries and sickness. Similar to basketball, the soccer team also competes in a men’s league. What’s unique about soccer in Shanghai is that the games are usually 7v7, not the traditional 11v11.
How have you found balancing academics with extracurricular activities in Shanghai?
I’ve always found that having extracurricular activities helps me balance my workload. I find the days when I have extracurricular activities to be my most productive because I tend not to procrastinate as much. For example, if I know I have a soccer game Monday night or basketball practice Tuesday night, I’ll be more inclined to finish all my homework before because I know when I come back home tired, all I’ll want to do is bum around in my room.
Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experience in Shanghai?
No. Just wanted to let everyone I’ve gotten to know that I look forward to catching up with them in a few years if they decide to study abroad in New York!
Inaugural NYU Shanghai President’s Service Awards
The 2014 NYU Shanghai President’s Service Award ceremony was held on Friday, April 5th, 2014. NYU President John Sexton, NYU Shanghai Chancellor Yu Lizhong, and Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Lehman presented three awards; two to student organizations, the More Than Debate Group and the Parliamentary Board; and one to an individual student, Jack Zhu, in recognition of their promotion of learning, leadership, and quality of student life at New York University.
With founding members from China, Spain, Pakistan, and the USA, the More Than Debate Group’s core mission is to create a forum through which members of the student body are able to express their views on a wide range of topics in an amicable, educational, and tolerant environment. The club has been developing a mechanism for civic dialogue, necessary on any college campus, but all the more important on a fully multinational, multicultural campus situated in the heart of China, where concerns about censorship and free speech are ever-present. In creating a forum for a civil exchange of ideas on topics important to the campus community, and for creating an environment in which students can build leadership skills by learning the art of debate, the More Than Debate Group is forging ahead with creating the kind of enriching, positive, critical exchange of ideas that is at the core of NYU Shanghai’s educational mission.
The Parliamentary Board, comprised of 9 students (3 of whom are Chinese nationals, 3 international in origin, and 3 American) selected by a panel of faculty and staff from among many applicants, was responsible for outlining the structure of student government and drafting the initial student constitution at NYU Shanghai. They met frequently over a 3-week period, hosted three open student forums, and educated students about their ideas for student government. They listened to their peers, took feedback, and translated it into a winning structure for student governance, establishing the groundwork for governance at this new university. Their work was exemplary and will have a profound and lasting impact on the development of NYU Shanghai.
The individual award went to Zhu (Jack) Hua, for his many contributions to NYU Shanghai, NYU, and the city of Shanghai. Zhu, who won first place in the Regional Final (Shanghai) in The 19th China Daily “21st Century Coca-Cola Cup” National English Speaking Competition, is also a volunteer English teacher in the Shanghai Stepping Stones Program. In addition to his academic achievements in and out of the classroom, Jack is currently a Co-university Collaborator in Club Committee of the Student Government at NYU Shanghai. He worked as a student ambassador at the 2014 NYU Shanghai Chinese Candidate Weekend and cultural ambassador for students from NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU during the 2014 January Term. A prime example of a well-rounded student, Jack also won awards at both “The S Factor” and the Talent Show during NYU Shanghai’s orientation week.
First established in New York City, the NYU President’s Service Awards are given to students or student organizations that have had an extraordinary and positive impact on the University community, including achievements within schools and departments, the University at large, local neighborhoods, and NYU’s presence in the world. Successful nominations demonstrate that the student or organization has made a significant and positive contribution to the University in one or more of the following ways:
Building community
Enhancing wellness
Promoting diversity
Demonstrating civic responsibility
Actively volunteering
Creating innovative and new projects or activities
Innovating and enhancing existing University programs or services
Exhibiting outstanding leadership with an organization or project
NYU Shanghai Student Cited by U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama in China Speech
First Lady of the United States of America Michelle Obama spoke in Beijing on Saturday about the importance of education as part of her official visit to China. Speaking to a group of Chinese and American students, she emphasized the transformative power of education, as well as the benefits of a cross-cultural educational experience.
The First Lady highlighted the role of education in promoting the cross-cultural understanding and communication necessary to confront global challenges.
“[S]tudying abroad isn’t just a fun way to spend a semester; it is quickly becoming the key to success in our global economy,” said the First Lady. Because getting ahead in today’s workplaces isn’t just about getting good grades or test scores in school, which are important. It’s also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders –- experience with languages, cultures and societies very different from your own.”
After the recognizing NYU President John Sexton who was present and characterizing NYU’s educational efforts in Shanghai as “excellent,” Mrs. Obama focused on several students in the audience. She recognized a Chinese scholar who had studied in the United States, as well as several American students who chose to study in China, including Royale Nicholson, a member of NYU Shanghai’s inaugural class. NYU Shanghai is the third degree-granting campus in NYU’s global network, joining NYU in New York and NYU Abu Dhabi. It is a comprehensive liberal arts and sciences research university in the heart of Shanghai.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Royale said she never imagined that she would go to college in China. Royale, a first generation college student, said her hard-working parents instilled in both her and her brother a strong belief in the value of education, and encouraged her to think that she should never let money stand in the way of her goals. Inspired to make the most of her university experience, the opportunity to challenge herself was part of what drew Royale to NYU Shanghai, and a scholarship helped make it possible for her to attend.
“Coming from a school where almost all of the graduating class doesn’t even go to college out of state, much less out of the country, I hope that my unexpected path to NYU Shanghai can encourage others in my school and my city to believe that their dreams don’t have to be confined to the state that they’ve lived in their entire lives,” said Royale. “They should not define or suppress their dreams because of their level of income. I know how easy it can be to slip into the illusion of inferiority. It is just amazing to me — being able to see the dreams of people of China being realized in Shanghai literally overnight. This city oozes persistence, and inspires me to accomplish all that I can.”
Royale says that studying at NYU Shanghai has also prepared her for life as a global citizen. “You learn how to create your own path in your education, and in your life, and the best way to learn how to do so is from your peers, who are from all over the world.”
According to Jeffrey Lehman, Vice Chancellor of NYU Shanghai, “Royale Nicholson exemplifies the special spirit of NYU Shanghai. Our university enables a select group of students from around the world to prepare themselves for leadership in a century when the China-U.S. partnership will be critical. Royale seized the opportunity to join our very first class, and we are all thrilled that the First Lady chose to recognize her during today’s speech in Beijing.”