About Me

Hello! I'm Hannah Shu

To me, understanding the mind is not just an intellectual pursuit, is to heal the world.
As an independent researcher and author, I’ve published research papers (6+) in psychology, sociology, and related fields on platforms such as the Journal of Research High School, ResearchGate, and the International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries. As team captain, I led my group to the CTB Global Finals

Beyond research, I founded a peer-led SEL Psychology Club and volunteered as a cross-cultural tutor in Sri Lanka (3+ yrs), teaching the connection of Chinese and Sri Lankan culture in English, Sinhala, and Mandarin. I also run bilingual psychology accounts (8000+ followers) on Instagram and Rednote, where I translate complex concepts through posts, Q&A, or creative storytelling into accessible, engaging content for young readers. I hope to bridge academic inquiry with emotional clarity, and make knowledge more inclusive.

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Hi! I’m Hannah Shu, a high school senior at Ranney School, NJ, passionate about psychology, gender studies, and neuroscience. I use these three lenses to understand how people think and relate. My academic interests center on the intersection of cognition, behavior, and identity, exploring everything from brain structure and function to social relationships.

As an independent researcher and author, I’ve published research papers (6+) in psychology, sociology, and related fields on platforms such as the Journal of Research High School, ResearchGate, and the International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries. As team captain, I led my group to the CTB Global Finals.

Beyond research, I founded a peer-led SEL Psychology Club and volunteered as a cross-cultural tutor in Sri Lanka (3+ yrs), teaching the connection of Chinese and Sri Lankan culture in English, Sinhala, and Mandarin. I also run bilingual psychology accounts (8000+ followers) on Instagram and Rednote, where I translate complex concepts through posts, Q&A, or creative storytelling into accessible, engaging content for young readers. I hope to bridge academic inquiry with emotional clarity, and make knowledge more inclusive.

Outside the classroom, I love writing extensively in both English and Chinese to capture my thoughts and experiences. Moreover, I’m fascinated by MBTI personality theory, constellations, sports, traveling, or simply observing the world around me. I enjoy my life patterns, and it’s the way to understand both of us, to reveal how people connect, feel, and grow. My biggest dream is to explore the world, not just through places, but through the diverse stories and emotions that make each moment meaningful!!!

My proudest accomplishment was that I created a listening circle where people feel comfortable to express themselves without fear of judgment. I take great joy in encouraging genuine connection. I’m deeply empathetic with strong listening and mediation skills, and people often tell me I make them feel safe to open up and truly understood.

To me, understanding the mind is not just an intellectual pursuit, is to heal the world.”

Interests

Academic Interests & Hobbies

Blog 1
Psychology

1.Cognitive Psychology

2.Personality Psychology

1.Cognitive Psychology:
-Explore how attention, memory, and perception shape decision-making, emotion, and learning.

2.Personality Psychology:
-Study how individual differences, traits, and social context influence identity and behavior.

Blog 2
Neuroscience

1.Cognitive Neuroscience

2.Behavioral Neuroscience

1.Cognitive Neuroscience:
-How the brain enables thought, memory, perception, and decision-making.

2.Behavioral Neuroscience:
-Links brain activity with behavior and emotion

Blog 3
Gender Studies

1.Feminist Theory

2.Neuroscience Intersection

1.Feminist Theory:
-Philosophical and political foundations of women’s freedom, power, and equality.

2.Neuroscience Intersection:
-Biological and social determinants of gender differences in the brain and behavior.

Blog 4
Writing & Journaling

I keep journals in both English and Chinese to record everyday reflections, small little happiness, and fleeting emotions.

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“Capturing thoughts, one page at a time.”

I keep journals in both English and Chinese to record everyday reflections, small little happiness, and fleeting emotions. Writing helps me slow down and find meaning in ordinary moments. It’s how I process the world and connect my heart to paper.

Blog 5
MBTI Personality & Constellations

I’m fascinated by MBTI personality theory and astrology as lenses for socializing......

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“Understanding people through patterns.”

I’m fascinated by MBTI personality theory and astrology as lenses for socializing. They inspire me to explore how identity, emotion, and intuition shape our relationships—and to listen deeply to what makes each person unique.

Blog 6
Travel & Exploration

I love traveling to discover new cultures, stories, and flavors. Every journey, whether a crowded market or a quiet mountain trail......

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“The world absorbs my turmoil and returns it as stillness.”

  • I love traveling to discover new cultures, stories, and flavors. Every journey, whether a crowded market or a quiet mountain trail, teaches me a new perspective.
soprt
Sports

Sports keep me grounded and joyful. Whether it’s fencing, badminton, or pilates, physical movement reminds me to stay balanced .......

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“Movement brings clarity.”

  • Sports keep me grounded and joyful. Whether it’s fencing, badminton, or pilates, physical movement reminds me to stay balanced mentally and emotionally and to find rhythm even amid life’s chaos.
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Art, Dance & Singing

Through movement, voice, and image, I explore emotion in its many forms. On stage, in melody, or on paper, creation remains.......

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“Expressing myself in every form of art.”

Through movement, voice, and image, I explore emotion in its many forms. On stage, in melody, or on paper, creation remains my most honest way of speaking to the world.

  • -Danced since age 3, proficient in multiple dance genres, such as Jazz, Hip Hop, K-pop, Contemporary, Ballet, and Chinese Folk Dance (10+ Years).
  • -Performed on national television dance shows and served as school dance team member & choreographer.
  • -Member of the school cheerleading team since age 8 , performing at major athletic events including soccer and basketball games (3+ years)
  • -Trained in visual arts since age 5, proficient in printmaking, sketching, oil painting, ink wash painting, and fashion design (8+ years).
  • -Trained in vocal performance since age 5, proficient in operatic techniques, pop vocals, and classical bel canto; served as a soprano in the school choir (8+ years).
  • -Trained in broadcasting and hosting since age 5; served as a school radio station host and MC of ceremonies for major campus events (8+ years).
art
Calligraphy

“ I speak in strokes rather than sentences.”

Calligraphy taught me that a single stroke can carry more honesty than a paragraph.

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“ I speak in strokes rather than sentences.”

Calligraphy taught me that a single stroke can carry more honesty than a paragraph.

  • - Trained in calligraphy since age 4, with ten years of practice in both brush and pen calligraphy; proficient in Xingshu (running script), Caoshu (cursive script), Lishu (clerical script), Zhuanshu (seal script), and Kaishu (standard script) (10+ years).

Honors & Leadership

  • All
  • Award
  • Clubs

Activities & Publications

Blog 1
Trainee Physician (2024)

2024 Summer Clinical Observership – Department of TCM Cardiology (Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine)

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Role: Trainee Physician (shadowing)

Participated in daily ward rounds, inpatient follow-ups, and case discussions on hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Observed traditional Chinese therapies including acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupoint application under physician supervision.

Performed 12-lead ECG acquisition and deepened understanding of integrative cardiovascular care.

Noted emotional resistance toward treatment among middle-aged and elderly patients, gaining insight into patient psychology and communication.

Blog 2
Trainee Physician (2025)

2025 Summer Clinical Observership — Department of TCM Cardiology (Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine)

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Xupu County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Summer 2025 • 40+hrs/week)

Role: Trainee Physician (shadowing)

● Participated in daily ward rounds and case discussions, documenting patient progress following standardized clinical workflows.

● Observed and practiced ECG interpretation, identifying ST-segment changes, atrial fibrillation/flutter waves, premature beats, and conduction blocks.

● Assisted with clinical operations by printing lab requisitions, dispatching specimens, and managing medical paperwork.

● Observed surgical procedures, including coronary artery bypass surgery, and contributed to patient care coordination under physician supervision.

Blog 3
CIS Evolutionary Psychology Research

Harvard Collaboration — CIS Evolutionary Psychology Research (2023–2024)

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Mentor: Prof. Max Krasnow, Harvard University

● Completed an advanced Evolutionary Psychology course under Prof. Max Krasnow (Harvard University).

● Co-authored and presented the peer-reviewed paper “Female Non-Resistance to Sexual Harassment.” by doing research design, data analysis, and theoretical framing on gender dynamics and adaptive behavior.

● Published in the Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies & ResearchGate (2024).

DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/31/20231922

Blog 2
Xupu County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Volunteering

Xupu County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Summer 2023 • 40+ hrs/wk

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Xupu County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Summer 2023 • 40+ hrs/wk

Role: Clinical Assistant (Volunteer)

  • Guided 1000+ patients through registration, appointments, navigation, and diagnostic escort support.
  • Streamlined patient flow in triage station & information desk, ensuring calm and order.
  • ● Took preliminary blood pressure screenings under nurse supervision.
Blog 2
ResearchGate & Journal of Student Research (JSR) Publications

Team Research — Journal of Student Research (JSR), 2024

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Team Research — Journal of Student Research (JSR), 2024

  • President, Lead Author & Editor-in-Chief of the SEL Psychology Club’s research project.
  • Directed club members in every research step for the paper “Live Streaming E-commerce: Understanding What Causes the Impulse of Consumers, What Affects People’s Psyche, and How Live Streaming E-commerce Promotes Economic Development at the Same Time.”
  • Published in the Journal of Student Research & ResearchGate (Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2024).
  • DOI: 10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6537 —achieved 300+ cumulative downloads (and growing)

Independent Research — Journal of Student Research (JSR), 2024

  • Independent Researcher & Author on “E-Chat: Causes and Effects of Paid Online Chatting and Does Online Escorted Chatting Provide Emotional Value?”
  • Initiated, designed, and executed every stage of the study: topic selection, survey design, data collection, statistical analysis, and paper writing.
  • Published in the Journal of Student Research & ResearchGate (Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2024).
  • DOI: 10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6538 —achieved 150+ cumulative downloads (and growing)

Independent Research — Journal of Student Research (JSR), 2025

  • Independent Researcher & Sole Author of “Depression and Anxiety Are More Prevalent Than Ever Among Young People: What’s Causing It, and Can We Fix It?”
  • ● Conceived topic, designed survey, conducted literature review, data collection, and statistical analysis independently.
  • Published in the Journal of Student Research & ResearchGate(Vol. 14 No. 1, 2025).
  • DOI: 10.47611/jsrhs.v14i1.8741 —achieved 100+ cumulative downloads (and growing)
Blog 2
Teen Ink Non-Fiction Journals Publication

Independent Publications — Teen Ink Non-Fiction Journals (2023)

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Independent Publications — Teen Ink Non-Fiction Journals (2023)

Role: Sole Author & Independent Research Writer

  • Independently researched, wrote, and published two original non-fiction essays on sociology and marital psychology in Teen Ink magazine.
  • ● “The Tree of Marriage” — explores the psychological and cultural dimensions of marital relationships
  • Read here

  • “Ukrainian-Russian War” — examines the social and moral psychology behind conflict, empathy, and resilience.
  • Read here
Blog 2
Inside & Outside School Volunteering

Inside & Outside School Volunteering (190+ hrs • National Service Ambassador Award 2024–2025)

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Inside & Outside School Volunteering (190+ hrs • National Service Ambassador Award 2024–2025)

  • Demonstrated values of respect (for underwater life), compassion (for sustainability), connection (education & health), and integrity.
  • Awarded National Service Ambassador Award for over 190 hours of community service.

Selected Service Highlights:

  • Panther Plates (lasting a semester): Packed and donated meals to people experiencing hunger or homelessness.
  • Participated in “Night Without a Bed”, raising $161.04 and promoting empathy for the homeless community.
  • HMH Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention: Led education table teaching families safe helmet use.
  • Belle Works Volunteer: Assisted families and children, fostering community engagement.
  • Contributed to mental health awareness through Crisis Text Line: Mental Health Awareness & Resources.
  • Toss for Type One: Recruited participants and managed front-desk operations at charity events.
  • Notes for Hope: Wrote and delivered cards to support the homeless community.
  • Beach Clean-Up: Collected litter at Long Branch Beach to promote coastal sustainability.
  • Family Dance & Back to School Night: Supported school community events and parent outreach.
  • Haunted House NPC (Fall Festival): Assisted in decoration and event hosting.
  • Clothing Donation & Wildfire Relief: Donated clothes to rural area children & created cards for children and families affected by LA wildfires.

Stray Cat Rescue Station

  • ● Founded a community-based Stray Cat Rescue Station to care for homeless cats.
  • ● Provide daily food, clean water, and monitor the health and safety of stray cats.
  • ● Built and maintained weather-protected shelters to offer safe and warm temporary homes.
  • ● Coordinated the transportation and distribution of cat food to different neighborhoods.
  • ● Raised awareness across multiple cities by encouraging others to participate in stray-cat rescue efforts.
  • ● Promoted humane treatment, responsible adoption, and long-term community support for stray animals.
Blog 2
Daily English and Grammar & Speaking in English Tutoring Volunteer

Daily English and Grammar & Speaking in English (2025–Present • 6+ hrs/wk)

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Daily English and Grammar & Speaking in English (2025–Present • 6+ hrs/wk)

  • Taught English to elementary and middle school students (3 classes/week, 6–8 students each).
  • Developed customized lesson plans and learning objectives based on proficiency levels.
  • Delivered interactive online instruction in grammar, speaking, and communication skills.
  • Evaluated assignments and provided individualized feedback and after-class support.
Blog 2
Sri Lanka Cultural Volunteer

Sri Lanka Cultural Volunteer (2023–Present • 90+ hrs/year) Taught cross-cultural lessons on Chinese–Sri Lankan connections in architecture, art, music, and history fields, etc.

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Sri Lanka Cultural Volunteer (2023–Present • 90+ hrs/year)

  • Taught cross-cultural lessons on Chinese–Sri Lankan connections in architecture, art, music, and history fields, etc.
  • Delivered trilingual instruction in English, Chinese, and Sinhala to classes of 40+ students from underdeveloped regions.
  • Prepared lesson materials, researched cultural content, and created recorded lecture videos.
  • Assigned and reviewed homework to deepen cultural understanding and engagement.

2023 Fall -- Tang Dynasty costume

2023 Summer -- Peacock Dance

2024 Summer -- Song Dynasty Poetry

2024 Winter -- A Comparative Study of The Contribution of Women in Sri Lanka and China on Music

2025 Summer--Architecture in Shenzhen

Contact Me