Two University of Wisconsin-Superior School of Business and Economics (SBE) students, accompanied by SBE Professor Sakib Mahmud, presented their summer research projects at the 2025 Wisconsin Economic Association (WEA) Conference in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Sharan Kanugovi presented his project titled “Impact of Social Sentiment on the Stock Market.”

“WEA 2025 was a great opportunity to share my summer research and network with some very interesting people,” said Kanugovi. “We also received helpful advice on applying for jobs and graduate school. A highlight of the event was speaking with Ron Wirtz, Outreach Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Huge thanks to Dr. Sakib for arranging this amazing experience.”

Vitor Sasaya Sakakibara presented his research based on his 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) project, “Testing the Put-Call Ratio’s Ability to Predict Stock Prices.”

“The WEA 2025 conference was an incredible experience that allowed me to present my research and receive valuable feedback from faculty across different universities,” said Sakakibara. “I had the opportunity to meet many professionals who offered great insights about graduate school and the job application process. My favorite part was listening to and speaking with Ron Wirtz. I would like to thank Dr. Mahmud for this opportunity.”

Both students were mentored by SBE Teaching Associate Professor Kyle Roskoski.

At the same conference, Mahmud presented his co-authored research titled “Political Budget Cycles, Political Branding, and Bicycle Distribution: Evidence from West Bengal, India.”