On October 29, NYU Shanghai hosted the first talk of the newly-launched Distinguished Women in Computing Speaker Series, initiated by the Computer Science, Data Science & Engineering (CSDSE) Division and co-hosted by the Provost’s Office. Professor Zhang Ya from Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the first speaker.

• On Wednesday, Provost Bei Wu hosted her first open house as provost, inviting students to enjoy light refreshments while discussing how to get the most out of their academic journey at NYU Shanghai. 

• On Monday, Dr. Steve Li, founder of OnBotics and president of the Suzhou Accessibility Promotion spoke to IMA Assistant Professor Rudi Cossovich’s Assistive Technology course about his team’s efforts to ensure accessibility for public services in China. Dr. Li then led students on a tour of campus from the perspective of a wheelchair user to highlight how small design adjustments can make a meaningful difference in everyday mobility.

• On October 26, NYU Shanghai’s Chinese Language Program and Global China Studies co-hosted China Insight, Global Impact: A Dialogue on Language, Culture and Global Exchange, featuring Princeton University Professor Chih-p’ing Chou, NYU Shanghai Professors Chen Junnan, Zhai Minhao, and Qian Jing, Mr. Alex Whitworth (Wood Mackenzie), and Mr. Matt Blażejewski (Wellington College Education). Chinese Language Program Director Zou Xin moderated the discussion and Dean of Arts and Sciences David Atwill delivered the opening remarks. The panelists reflected on their professional paths and how language learning and cultural understanding have shaped their work across fields such as academia, energy and business analysis, and international education.

• On Monday, Political Science Associate Professor Ivan Rasmussen took a group of 20 students to the annual Barnett Oksenberg lecture hosted by AmCham and the National Committee on US-China Relations. Former Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink spoke along with Dr. Wu Xinbo about US-China relations in the contemporary era. 

“Awareness is not fear — it’s empowerment. You’re never too young to start being aware of your health. Knowledge on health and early detection gives us time, which gives us hope.”

— Dr. Yan Siyu, Chief of the New Bund Clinic and NYU Shanghai’s on-campus doctor, speaking at the Pink Hope Panel Discussion 

Students enjoyed the annual Carnival of Terror with horror movie screenings, a haunted house, pumpkin carving, tarot card readings, costume contests, and live music and dance performances. Here bassist Jun Yoshizaki ’28 and guitarist Wang Zhijia ’28 perform with their student band Another Bite. 

• Lonely Seniors Are Turning to AI Bots for Companionship

Provost and gerontologist Bei Wu spoke with Forbes on the benefits and risks of having AI companions as a supplement to human caregivers.

• NYU Shanghai-Led Project Featured in Shanghai Manual 2025 Report

Assistant Professor of IMA Zhang Xingchen and student researchers created “Memory Co-Space” that guides users to explore the Dongming community in Pudong through oral history and AR. The project was featured among 21 cases in the annual Shanghai Manual, a flagship publication developed by UN-Habitat, which showcases global innovative solutions in advancing sustainable urban development, People’s Daily, Kankan News, and Xinmin Evening News reported.