Students Gain Valuable Experience Through Student Research Initiative

The Role of Blockchain in Revolutionizing the Global Supply Chains

Laharish Guntuka, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of management, and Sainikhil Reddy Chinthireddy ’24 (MS business analytics)

This project explores how blockchain technology can be used to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency in global supply chains.

Sainikhil comments on his experience working with Professor Guntuka:

This opportunity marked the beginning of my hands-on involvement in research, allowing me to engage directly with complex analyses under guided supervision.

My role as a Research Assistant enabled me to delve deeply into the realm of Blockchain technology and its pervasive impact across various industries, particularly its transformative role in global supply chain management. This detailed analytical work not only broadened my understanding of Blockchain's applications but also enhanced my technical skills in data processing and analysis.

 I strongly encourage fellow students to engage with the Student Research Initiative program. Participation in this program is instrumental in cultivating foundational research and analytical skills. Collaborating with faculty members provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from seasoned academics and researchers. Their mentorship is invaluable, fostering both professional and personal growth, and equipping students with the competencies necessary for academic and career advancement.

The hands-on experience gained through this role has prepared me for future challenges in the field, highlighting the importance of practical experience in complementing theoretical knowledge.

The Effects of Corporate Cybersecurity Risk on Capital Markets

Hao Zhang, Ph.D., professor in the department of finance and accounting, and Ryan Haver ’24 (BS computer science, minor in finance)

This research project examines the effects of corporate cybersecurity risk on capital markets, with a particular focus on investor trading behaviors. The proposed study aims to explore how varying levels of cybersecurity risk shape these behaviors. 

Ryan reflects on his experience with the research project:

I've learned how to work with very large datasets through this project. We downloaded over 250,000 data files with a size of over 1TB. Even in my computer science classes, I've never worked on a project involving this much data. This required me to program more thoughtfully as execution time became an issue. I learned new software libraries that were specifically designed for handling large amounts of data. I also learned how to use database software to store our large dataset. 

I would highly recommend applying to the Student Research Initiative. The projects are on the cutting-edge of research and you will be given the opportunity to tackle problems you wouldn't see in your curriculum. This makes you a more attractive candidate for employers or for graduate programs.

SRI is for undergraduate and graduate students.
Sound right for you? Learn more details on SRI.