The NYU Abu Dhabi Capstone: The Culmination of an Education

The Capstone Project can be an opportunity for fourth years to coalesce research at the intersection of multiple interests. Conversely, it can also be a chance to take a deep dive into a single topic. Focusing on a student’s passion, it often ties together four years of thinking and learning. Ryan Choi, an Art and Art History major, found that a course he took in his first year helped him form his thinking around his Capstone Project. Curatorial Practice with Professor Salwa Mikdadi asked the class to collaborate on an exhibition. They handled the entire process, from choosing a theme to installing the art.

For his NYU Abu Dhabi Capstone Project, Ryan used all he had learned to create (In)finite, his own art gallery show featuring three contemporary South Korean artists. The original course and his experience independently curating a contemporary art show offered Ryan a unique opportunity. “Curatorial studies, as far as I know, is not really offered at the undergraduate level,” he says. Therefore, he adds, he is at a real advantage when it comes to kicking off his career or applying to graduate school.

The topic options for Capstone Projects are limitless. And many are immediately applicable to today’s most complex issues. Recent research projects include an exploration of the solidarity model of refugee support in Greece and an investigation on the effects of light on mood disorders. For more creative students, a musical composition, performance, or narrative could be the perfect fit. Recent artistic projects include a performance about third-culture kids and a project that designed a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly educational building. While working on their projects, students also participate in a capstone seminar. This course brings together fourth years to discuss the capstone process, present works in progress, and offer each other feedback.

Although each project is independent and entirely student-led, students regularly meet with a faculty mentor who oversees the process. They offer advice and resources and ensure that the project stays on track. Computer Science and Mathematics major Anh Mai worked closely with Professor Azza Abouzied, principal investigator of the Human Data Interaction Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi, on a project that suddenly gained new relevance during the COVID-19 global pandemic. His Capstone Project, “Policy Optimization in an Epidemic,” is designed to help governments and nongovernmental organizations implement interventions in response to disease outbreaks. Since graduating last year, he has continued to work in Professor Abouzied’s lab, identifying and categorizing different classes of epidemic simulator. “Providing a readily accessible and reliable simulator that decision-makers can experiment with in response to an epidemic is my ultimate goal,” he says.