people

Ruiting Shen is a master’s student in the A3SR program at NYU. Her research interests, in general, focus on applying statistical and machine learning models to psychological and educational latent variable modeling. This includes, but is not limited to, incorporating behavioral data—such as test process and user clickstream data—into traditional IRT models to improve the accuracy of ability and item parameter estimations and interpretations; statistical applications of large language models (LLMs); and model evaluation tool development. In practice, she also enjoys learning programming languages and working on data processing, management, and statistical consulting. Outside of research, she loves trying good food and coffee, swimming, researching fashion trends, and playing chess.

Ruiting will be applying to Ph.D. programs for Fall 2026 admission!

Jillian Pizza is a Master’s student in the A3SR program at NYU. Her research interests include applying statistical techniques to measure political ideology and effective political messaging, with a focus on U.S. Politics. Outside of research, Jillian loves live music, painting, reading, and spending time with her friends and cat, Olive!

Yuan Huang graduated from A3SR in Spring 2025. She worked on LLM Responses to Social Surveys.

Yining Lu recently completed her master’s degree in Applied Statistics for Social Science Research (A3SR) at NYU, where she focused on using large language models (LLMs) to analyze responses to social surveys. Beginning in Fall 2025, she will pursue a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research interests lie at the intersection of information systems, measurement theory, and behavioral analytics. She is particularly interested in developing and validating measurement models within nomological networks and applying computational methods to uncover latent constructs—such as trust, engagement, and decision-making—in digital contexts. Outside of research, Yining enjoys playing video games, hiking, listening to music, and baking.

Victoria Zhang graduated from A3SR in Spring 2025. She worked on MCMC Based Short Form Creation. Victoria was also a course assistant for both Statistical Computing and Modern Approaches in Measurement.