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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Elaine Chen

Elaine Chen, Deputy Photo Editor

Elaine Chen is a sophomore majoring in Media, Culture, and Communication. She's an international student from China. She loves cooking, traveling, and photography. As an introverted Asian girl, she's trying really hard to get more involved in all kinds of events and become a (fake) New Yorker. She's so bad at remembering things, like names. Find her on Instagram, @elainechenjj

All content by Elaine Chen
"Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets" captures the last moments of a dive bar named Roaring 20's. With no narration, the documentary may be more than what it seems. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: ‘Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets’ is an engrossing portrait of a community

April 16, 2021

"Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets" captures the last moments of a dive bar named Roaring 20's. With no narration, the documentary may be more than what it seems. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Maha serves her mother’s homemade bread sprinkled with za’atar, a common Middle Eastern spice mixture. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: How to Pull an All-Nighter at Bobst, and Eat Too

Alex Tran, Contributing Writer November 26, 2019

Maha serves her mother’s homemade bread sprinkled with za’atar, a common Middle Eastern spice mixture. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Muslim

Photo: Shia, Black Students Discuss Challenges of Minority Muslim Status

November 27, 2019

Panelists speak about identities and the experience of being a part of Shia and Black Muslim community. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

NYU dorms started offering free menstrual products. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Dorms Provide Free Menstrual Products, Three Years After Student Push

November 19, 2019

NYU dorms started offering free menstrual products. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Students discussed struggles of first-generation and/or low-income, migrant, refugee and undocumented students on campus. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Underrepresented Students Demand Support From NYU

November 18, 2019

Students discussed struggles of first-generation and/or low-income, migrant, refugee and undocumented students on campus. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Panelists include Paula Chakravatty, associate professor at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU Steinhardt; Jonathan Friedman, director of the Campus Free Speech project at PEN America; Jennifer Ruth, professor of film studies at Portland State University and co-author of The Humanities, Higher Education, and Academic Freedom; and Zach Rivers, PhD candidate in the Department of Comparative Literature at the Graduate School of Arts and Science.  (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Panelists and Students Debate Extent of Academic Freedom at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai

November 15, 2019

Panelists examined the university’s crucial role as a forum for open exchange of ideas. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

The Marlton Hotel Bar, at 5 W 8th St, a great night out spot recommended by Calais Watkins. (Staff photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Culture’s Hottest Spots: Night Out Edition

Lauren Gruber, Bella Gil, Carol Lee, Calais Watkins, Deputy Culture Editor November 6, 2019

The Marlton Hotel Bar, at 5 W 8th St, a great night out spot recommended by Calais Watkins. (Staff photo by Elaine Chen)

The United States Environmental Protection Agency held an event in response to climate change on Monday. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Big Business Encourages Science-Denial, Panelists Say at Environmental Studies Event

November 5, 2019

The United States Environmental Protection Agency held an event in response to climate change on Monday. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Bella Gil wearing her cross necklace. There are stories behind students' favorite accessories. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Students Share Secrets Behind their Shiny Jewelry

October 31, 2019

Bella Gil wearing her cross necklace. There are stories behind students' favorite accessories. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Depop and Poshmark, apps designed for reselling and purchasing clothing, are popular among students. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: ‘Depop’-ulating the Wardrobe: How NYU Students Sell Unwanted Clothing

October 31, 2019

Depop and Poshmark, apps designed for reselling and purchasing clothing, are popular among students. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

The new year means resolutions in both beauty and style. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: 2020: The Year of Fashion Risks and Hydrated Skin

January 30, 2020

The new year means resolutions in both beauty and style. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

From Origins to Glossier, a myriad of used-up skincare and makeup items are scattered across a table. Our staff delves into which empties they loved, and others they wouldn’t use again. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Completed by Culture: Moisturizer Edition

October 4, 2019

From Origins to Glossier, a myriad of used-up skincare and makeup items are scattered across a table. Our staff delves into which empties they loved, and others they wouldn’t...

Colorful bubbles and jelly with diverse flavours in Bubbleology. (Staff photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Bubble Tea With a Boozy Twist

Sara Miranda, Contributing Writer September 23, 2019

Colorful bubbles and jelly with diverse flavours in Bubbleology. (Staff photo by Elaine Chen)

(Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Oxford Fashion Studio III S/S 2020

Ashley Wu, Staff Writer October 5, 2019

(Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe & Bar, an independent bookstore on Crosby St. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: New York’s Indie Bookstores Survive by Promoting Community, Providing Experience

September 3, 2019

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe & Bar, an independent bookstore on Crosby St. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

The LES Ecology Center where the students in the History of Computing: How the Computer Became Personal took a field trip. (Photo by Akiva Thalheim)

Field Trips — the Best Way to Learn?

Sometimes seeing is better than hearing, which is why these classes had some intriguing field trips in New York City.
Elaine Chen, Staff Writer May 3, 2019

After sitting in a classroom for hours, it can be difficult to pay attention as your Texts and Ideas professor drones on about Machiavelli's "The Prince" while all of New York...

Neatly pleated dumpings handmade by Elaine. Elaine's family gathers every new year to make these traditional dumplings. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Move Over Vanessa’s, This Dorm Dumpling Recipe Is Here to Take Your Place

Enjoy some delicious homemade dumplings with this family recipe. Warning: Not for beginners.
Elaine Chen, Staff Writer April 10, 2019

Savory chicken, tender pork or wholesome vegetables — essentially any food that you can think of — can be wrapped in a fluffy dough blanket and become a delicious dumpling....

Fried Oreo, a signature snack of Ray's Candy Store, a tiny, hidden place near Tompkins Square Park. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Ray’s Candy Store: Serving the Works Since 1974

March 4, 2019

Fried Oreo, a signature snack of Ray's Candy Store, a tiny, hidden place near Tompkins Square Park. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Panelists Kleaver Cruz and Jewel Cadet discuss intersectional politics and activism with moderator Ayasha Guerin. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Photo: Black and Queer Activists Talk Action Toward Equality

Lachlan Hyatt, Staff Writer February 28, 2019

Panelists Kleaver Cruz and Jewel Cadet discuss intersectional politics and activism with moderator Ayasha Guerin. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

(Photo by Elaine Chen)

Ippudo’s Renowned Ramen Fails to Impress

The Japanese chain Ippudo falls short in the United States.
Elaine Chen, Staff Writer February 27, 2019

I was watching snow fall outside, blanketing the New York City skyline through the window of Ippudo, a restaurant famous for its traditional Japanese ramen. Taking a spoonful of...

Twin sisters Angela (left) and Emily (right) in the Bobst Library. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

What It’s Like Sharing NYU With Your Siblings

Going to college with your siblings can either make finding your "home away from home" a lot easier or a lot more complicated.
Elaine Chen, Contributing Writer November 6, 2018
Going to college with your siblings can either make finding your "home away from home" a lot easier or a lot more complicated.
Some international students missing food from home recommend various specialty markets to satisfy their comfort food cravings. (Photo by Jorene He)

Finding Home Through Food

Elaine Chen, Contributing Writer October 12, 2018

If you’re not Chinese, you probably don’t understand the importance of finding mooncake to eat in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival is a traditional Asian...

Roxeanne Oyesile, a first-year in CAS, has worked at Chipotle for over a year.

Working the Night Shift: Balancing Service and School

Students are struggling to support themselves with low-wage jobs.
Elaine Chen, Contributing Writer September 20, 2018
Students are struggling to support themselves with low-wage jobs.