Andrew Boardman

April 29, 2019
Andrew Boardman was named a Harry S. Truman Scholar in 2018. He participated in an eight-week Truman Summer Institute designed to help expand students’ understanding of policy and policy-making through participation in seminars and presentations.

Major: Economics 

Hometown: South Kingstown, RI

What, if any, research projects did you participate in at URI?

My favorite research projects have been ones involving matters of economic policy and economic justice. I’m currently working on a paper with Professor Robert Van Horn [from the Department of Economics] on interpretations of freedom in economics. My senior capstone research project is on the history and impact of the earned income tax credit for low-income workers in Rhode Island. Both of these projects have deepened my understanding of topics I’m passionate about.

What was your main extracurricular activity while at URI? Why is it important to you?

Since 2017, I have been the president of the URI Democrats. Through URI Democrats, I’ve made many friends and gained experience organizing for issues like affordable higher education, reproductive health care and immigrant rights.

What do you value about your liberal arts education?

My liberal arts education has exposed me to philosophy, literature and historical perspectives that have become central to my understanding of the world.