Qingyu Yang is an undergraduate student from Shanghai, China, currently pursuing a major in advertising with a minor in statistics and an AI certificate at the University of Florida. Growing up in Shanghai, Qingyu developed a strong global perspective. She attended an international high school in Shanghai, where she studied the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which helped prepare her for studying abroad. Qingyu chose UF because of its excellent academic reputation, particularly in the journalism and communications fields, and the warm, welcoming environment that felt familiar to her home city.
At UF, Qingyu is deeply involved in academic and extracurricular activities that combine her passions for technology, communication, and cultural exchange. She is actively engaged in the University Scholar Program, where she is conducting research on consumer interactions with AI-powered chatbots. Additionally, Qingyu serves as a board member of the International Student Council and as the fundraising director for the UF Chinese Students and Scholars Association, where she organizes cultural events and promotes cross-cultural exchange. Her experiences at UF have fostered a strong sense of community and have fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact through her work in advertising, AI, and digital marketing.
What was your academic or professional journey before coming to UF?
Before UF, my international high school experience gave me a global perspective on learning and collaboration. I applied to several universities in the U.S., ultimately choosing UF because of its academic strengths and the opportunities it offered to grow personally and professionally.”
How does your current academic work tie into your previous studies or professional experiences?
My academic work is deeply connected to my professional interests. For example, through the University Scholar Program, I initiated a research project exploring consumer interactions with AI-powered chatbots. This project involved designing chatbot interfaces in Figma, conducting surveys, and using quantitative methods to understand how privacy policies and message framing affect user trust and sharing intentions. This experience solidified my passion for combining analytics and innovation to address real-world business challenges.
Tell us about your professional background and how it relates to what you’re studying now.
I’ve had opportunities to work on meaningful projects during my time at UF. At Florida Community Innovation, I explored societal challenges like the surge in domestic violence during COVID-19, combining communication and data visualization to raise awareness and improve resource accessibility. Additionally, as a data analyst for The Agency at UF, I gained experience in marketing analytics while participating in DE&I initiatives that expanded my understanding of inclusion in the advertising industry.
Are you involved in any volunteer work, clubs, or organizations on campus or in the Gainesville community?
“Yes, I’ve been actively involved in several organizations. As a board member of the International Student Council, I proposed workshops to address international students’ mental health challenges and cultural barriers. As fundraising director for the UF Chinese Students and Scholars Association, I organized cultural events like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year celebrations, promoting cross-cultural exchange.”
What are your goals after graduation? Do you plan to stay in the U.S., return to your home country, or work in another part of the world?
I’m currently applying to graduate programs in the U.S., aiming to specialize in digital marketing research and data analytics. My long-term goal is to use AI and machine learning to help businesses optimize their strategies and increase operational efficiency, ultimately fostering long-term brand-consumer relationships.”
In what ways do you feel your presence has contributed to the UF community?
I believe my contributions to fostering cultural diversity and inclusion have made a meaningful impact. From organizing cultural events to advocating for mental health resources, I’ve worked to create spaces where students from all backgrounds feel valued and supported.
Do you have any advice or insights you’d like to share with other international students who are considering studying at UF?
Engage in diverse activities and seek opportunities to collaborate with peers from different backgrounds. UF offers a welcoming and inclusive environment and participating in student organizations is a great way to enrich your experience and build lifelong connections. Adapting to a new culture and education system was challenging at first. However, participating in student organizations and forming a supportive community helped me navigate these changes and thrive at UF.