Research
Featured Research
Bridging the Digital Divide: How 3G Coverage Transforms Fertility Decisions in Nigeria
📋 Abstract
Using Nigerian DHS data (2013–2018) linked to 3G rollout across 725 local government areas, we find that a one standard deviation increase in coverage reduces birth probability among women aged 12–20 by 1.4–18 percentage points. Effects operate through delayed cohabitation and childbearing rather than contraceptive uptake, alongside increased skilled employment and stronger household bargaining power.
Unintended Consequences of Best Intentions: Examining Spillover Effects in Targeted Supplementary Education Interventions
📋 Abstract
Field experiment across 130 rural Chinese boarding schools comparing computer-assisted learning and workbook interventions. Results reveal significant negative spillovers from workbook treatments on non-targeted students, particularly those with close peer connections. The mechanism appears motivational: observing peers receive extra resources reduces confidence in academic effort. Computer-assisted learning conducted outside classrooms shows no such spillovers.
Publications
Working Papers
Friendship Formation and Peer Effect: Using Seat Distribution as an Instrument
📄 SSRN Draft NEUDC 2023 PacDev 2024 AAEA 2024📋 Abstract
This study investigates peer effects on academic performance using network theory and instrumental variables with 2,956 primary school students in rural China. Study groups significantly enhance achievement by 0.11 standard deviations, with stronger effects among male students, lower performers, and cohesive groups. Mediation analysis identifies intrinsic motivation as the primary mechanism driving peer effects through enhanced autonomous learning behaviors. Results suggest that optimizing spatial proximity in peer networks represents a cost-efficient policy instrument for human capital accumulation in resource-constrained settings, leveraging existing human capital without substantial additional inputs.
Using Text Messages to Improve Parenting Knowledge and Early Childhood Development in Rural China
📄 SSRN Draft AAEA 2022 China Education Finance 2023📋 Abstract
This paper evaluates a text messaging-based parenting program (Tips-by-Text) among 1,096 low-income mothers in 6 counties in rural northwestern China. Overall, our results show substantial, positive impacts of Tips-by-Text on parenting knowledge (ITT = 0.222 SD, p < 0.01) and some critical stimulating parenting practices. While the average treatment effects on other parenting practices and early childhood development outcomes at ages 0-3 are statistically insignificant in the sample overall, we found large heterogeneities in the treatment effects consistent with three behavioral economics concepts: lack of information, inattention, and motivated cognition.
Works in Progress
Maternal Migration and Early Child Development in Rural China
SAEA 2023 AAEA 2022 WEAI 2022Policy and Outreach Writing
Save the Children Yunnan Ludian 0-3 Years Early Childhood Development Project (2019-2020) Evaluation Report.
Machine Learning Project
Traffic Sign Classification
📄 Full Draft📋 Abstract
This paper details the development of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a shift invariant artificial neural network (SIANN) utilizing convolution operations instead of matrix multiplication, with the goal of classifying ten unique traffic signs. A well-balanced data set of photos with equivalent resolution was used to train and validate the neural network to determine appropriate hyperparameters for optimal performance, accurate classification greater than ninety percent. The CNN was developed using packages found within the Tensorflow library in Python, including convolution, pooling, and dense layers. Additionally, this paper documents specific experiments conducted during the design and training which led to the final architecture of the neural network. The CNN will be shown to have an accuracy of greater than ninety-four (94) percent during training and validation.
Yujuan Gao
Contact: yujuan.gao@ufl.edu