Ziwei X
- Research Program Mentor
MPP at University of Virginia
Expertise
Literature Reviews, Immigration Policy, Educational Policy, Energy Policy, Sustainability, Cultural Awareness, Economics, Econometrics, Data Analysis
Bio
My academic passion lies at the crossroads of public policy, economics, and environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on equity. I have a Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. I'm particularly driven to reduce the energy efficiency gap for low-income communities, ensuring that our policies are fair and inclusive. By assessing policy effectiveness and providing evidence-based recommendations, I strive to create impactful changes that address climate change, economic inequality, and social justice. When I'm not buried in research, you'll find me at the gym, where I love bodybuilding and nutrition coaching. As a competitor myself, I find immense joy in helping others with nutrition planning and bodybuilding, guiding them to reach their fitness goals. I'm also an avid music enthusiast and enjoy recording my own tracks. This creative outlet helps me unwind and adds a fun balance to my life. Whether I'm crunching numbers or lifting weights, I thrive on the challenge and enjoy making a positive impact.Project ideas
Feeling Welcomed: How can we use policy tool to decrease the U.S. immigration naturalization gap
Imagine some of your friends at school struggle to stay connected because of their immigration status, facing challenges like high costs, cultural differences, lack of information, and language barriers. Our research project will look into these barriers and develop practical solutions to help immigrants navigate the naturalization process. You'll learn about immigration policy, gain skills in research and critical thinking, and understand the real-world implications of these issues. Through literature review, interviews, and data analysis, we'll gather valuable information. By the end, you'll produce an insightful essay or research paper that outlines strategies to help lawful permanent residents become US citizens—something you can take with you to college or even grad school as part of your own policy/research report.
Powering the Future: Policies and Economy for Electrification and Sustainability
As our world shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, policies are crucial for driving this transition. In this exciting research project, we'll dive into the world of solar, wind, and hydro power, uncover the benefits and hurdles of energy efficiency, and discover how government and industry can lead the charge towards a greener future. You'll gain experience in policy analysis, environmental science, and project management while conducting literature reviews, studying successful case studies, and analyzing real-world data if data analysis is something you are interested in. By the end, you'll produce a powerful research paper or policy report with innovative recommendations. This fun and hands-on experience will arm you with knowledge and skills that’ll impress your future college or even grad school professors while helping save the planet, one solar panel at a time.