2024 Founders Fellow William Uyeta - Office of Connected Learning

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.

Table of Frequency of Mentions Over Time by Company - William Uyeta

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.

William Uyeta and his mentor, Dr. Xiahua Anny Wei, at the INFORMS Annual Conference — William Uyeta (right) and his mentor, Dr. Xiahua Anny Wei (left), at the INFORMS Annual Conference

As William’s mentor throughout the project, Dr. Wei was impressed by his perseverance and active exploration of knowledge. He demonstrated his extraordinary Python skills in collecting and analyzing over 2.3 million Reddit comments during the project, uncovering the intersected relationship between online discussion volumes and sentiments to stock prices.

Dr. Wei also complimented William’s courage in presenting this project in front of a group of doctoral candidates and faculty of business schools at the INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and Management Science) Annual Meeting.

“As his mentor and research advisor, I have enjoyed working with William and cultivating his growth. He always takes initiatives to explore deeper in the intellectual discovery. He possesses the maturity, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance to excel in his academic and professional endeavors. With his strong interdisciplinary background in both business and computer engineering, I take great pride in and wholeheartedly celebrate his transformation and trajectory as a business professional and leader.”

William embraced the challenge and the opportunity it offered. His courage, growth mindset, dedication, and the ability to communicate meaningful insights from the research findings, are truly impressive.
Dr. Xiahua Anny Wei

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.