In 2013, the Chinese government launched its grand initiative to eradicate rural poverty by 2020. The initiative has made great progress since then, yet little rigorous empirical evidence is available due to data limitations. This project aims to use big data through both official and social media to analyze the trends, achievements, and challenges of this initiative and offer implications for the future and from a comparative perspective.

One selected candidate will receive a stipend via the DSI Scholars program. Amount is subject to available funding.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Qin Gao
  • Department/School: School of Social Work
  • Location: 1255 Amsterdam Avenue
  • As the first center of its kind founded within a U.S. school of social work, the China Center is a hub for innovation and action on social welfare in China and beyond.

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 10/15/2019
  • End date: 5/15/2020
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Fall 2019: ~7

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets: Fluency in English and Mandarin; Ability to search, gather, and analyze big data from Chinese websites, social media, and other data sources; Trend and geographic analyses.
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: eligible
  • Additional comments: The student needs to be fluent in Mandarin and be able to conduct data gathering and analysis in Mandarin.