2024 Founders Fellow William Uyeta

William Uyeta, Business Administration student, received a 2024 summer research Founders Fellow award. Here are a few details about his summer research.

Mentor: Dr. Xiahua Anny Wei
Abstract: With the increasing influence of digital platforms on financial markets, the role of social media engagement in shaping stock performance has gained growing attention. This study builds upon prior research on the link between social media activity and financial outcomes by focusing on Reddit, one of the most prominent platforms for retail investor discussions.

By analyzing data from the most frequently mentioned stocks on Reddit, this study aims to assess how online discussions and sentiment affect daily stock performance. We examine the correlation between variables such as post volume, likes, and sentiment scores, and stock price movements, with the objective of offering measurable insights into the ways in which social media engagement drives stock market activity.

The findings of this research provide critical insights for investors and financial analysts, highlighting the value of monitoring social media trends to inform investment strategies.

The Founders Fellow Summer Research Awards acknowledge undergraduates engaging in research and support them with program funds worth up to $3,000. These awards are sponsored by the Founders Endowment Fund and managed by the Office of Connected Learning.

Research and Creative Projects facilitates opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research, develop hands-on experiences, and establish connections with faculty mentors to build networks for future careers. This unit offers a wide range of experiential learning programs accessible through the Connected Huskies Database and provides a platform, Husky Cache, to document and share students’ research journeys. Reach out to us for advising sessions or to explore research opportunities.