Ruoxi's research interests include intrastate conflict, state repression, and conflict processes. Her dissertation focuses on the interplay among regime, armed force, and protesters/rebels during popular uprisings.

Methodologically, Ruoxi is interested in formal modeling, empirical implications of theoretical models (EITM), social network analysis, and other applied statistical methods. She is also getting her certificate in information science through the Information Certificate Program at the university.