Major/Minor: Economics, Mathematics, Communications
Where are you from, and why did you choose URI?
I’m originally from Eastern Idaho, but my family moved to Rhode Island during my senior year of high school. So, now I call the Ocean State home. I chose URI because I really liked the campus spirit and wanted to keep exploring the New England area.
Was there a specific moment, person, or class that interested you in economics?
When I started at URI, I was actually a marketing major. My interest in economics was sparked by a “Principles of Microeconomics” class I took as a gen-ed requirement with Dr. Arthur Mead. I’ve always been fascinated with understanding the factors that shape everyday realities for regular people. That class introduced me to an intersection of societal research and data insights–the academic fit I was looking for.
However, my passion for economics wasn’t fully realized until I took “Economic Growth and Development” with Dr. Smita Ramnarain in the fall of my junior year. Her class introduced me to entirely new perspectives on economics, focusing on the emerging economies of the Global South, rather than wealthy Western countries. I learned that much of mainstream economic theory is only one side of the story, and the intuition that helped European countries and the United States succeed may not be the best path for developing countries in an established global economy.
What has your experience been like with the department regarding research opportunities, internships, or fellowships?
URI has offered me a wealth of opportunities during my time here. The summer after my sophomore year, I completed an Arts and Sciences Summer Fellowship and conducted research on international comparisons of quality of life, mentored by Dr. Richard McIntyre and Dr. Arthur Mead. I’ve been a teaching assistant for the last several semesters, which has given me the chance to work closely with younger economics students and reinforce my own understanding of concepts by teaching them to others. Finally, this last summer I worked as an intern for the Office of U.S. Senator Jack Reed in Washington D.C. It was an incredible experience, giving me an inside look at the policy making process.
What are your career goals or plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a graduate degree and then a career focused on international economic policy and development. Eventually, I would love to work somewhere like the World Bank or U.N. Economic and Social Council, and I am excited to see where the next several years take me.
What makes the Economics Department unique at URI?
Because the Economics program is relatively small at URI, it facilitates meaningful relationships between peers and faculty. As I’ve reached the end of the undergraduate curriculum, I’ve developed a great cohort of friends and mentors in the program. My upper-level classes have been full of lively and thought-provoking discussions, and I’ve loved developing relationships with my fellow econ majors.