Two Mason Korea students have been awarded funding for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP). This program provides undergraduates with the opportunity to gain an authentic research, creative, or scholarly experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Throughout the summer, both students will work closely with their mentors on their research projects.
Dongju Lee, a junior majoring in Global Affairs, received funding for his project titled "A Comparative Analysis of Korean and Chinese Webtoons and Web Novels: Focusing on Martial Arts.” This project will analyze the genre of martial arts in Korea and China from various perspectives, including literature, religion, history, sociology, economics, and business.
Dr. Yingji Jin, an Associate Professor of Chinese, will mentor Lee on this project, assisting him in understanding and researching Chinese source materials. "I chose the topic of martial arts because it allows for a natural comparison between Korea and China, and it's my favorite genre," said Lee.
Woosung Lee, a sophomore majoring in Economics, received funding for his project titled "Spatial Inequality of Health: The Case of India and Pneumonia.” This research will investigate the correlation between healthcare accessibility and pneumonia mortality rates among children under five in India.
Mason Korea Professor Claude Drolet will serve as Lee's mentor for this project and support him in structuring his research and refining his writing skills. "I'm excited to gather more data, explore current issues and trends in India from an economist's perspective, and gain a deeper understanding of India's potential by the end of my research," Lee said.