Major/Minor: Economics & Data Science
Where are you from, and why did you choose URI?
I am from Cumberland, RI, and I chose URI because I love the location and the hometown feel of attending a college in my own state.
Why did you choose economics as your major?
I was drawn to economics for the mix of quantitative and qualitative skills the degree teaches. I feel that both skills are vital for success in today’s job market, and the program has given me a strong foundation through the various courses within the department.
Was there a specific moment, person, or class that interested you in economics?
My first exposure to economics was my AP macroeconomics class in high school. I was immediately invested in the subject matter and knew it was a field I wanted to study further in college. The “Principles of Microeconomics” class I took during my first semester in college confirmed this interest for me.
What’s been your favorite class or topic you’ve studied so far?
My favorite class so far has been “ECN305: Competing Traditions in Economics”. The class examines the history of economic thought, and exploring the lives and contributions of famous economists. History has always been one of my favorite subjects, so I loved combining it with my other favorite subject, economics.
What has your experience been like with the department regarding research opportunities, internships, or fellowships?
This past semester, I worked as a teaching assistant for Professor Cruz Bueno’s “Principles of Macroeconomics” class. It was a great experience, and I was able to share my love of economics with a new class of students. Additionally, I served as the President of the Economics Student Association for the past three years. ESA is a student organization that fosters student involvement in the economics department, and serving as president has allowed me to strengthen my networking and professional skills.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that changed how you think about the world?
One of the first things taught in introductory economics classes is opportunity cost: the idea that every action a person takes involves a trade-off, whether that is the monetary cost of the action or the time spent doing something else. Knowing this system of tradeoffs has definitely informed my own decision-making in ways that would’ve been impossible if I had not taken economics courses.
What are your career goals or plans after graduation?
My current goal is to pursue graduate studies in economics after graduation.
What makes the Economics Department unique at URI?
The faculty and students are all extremely passionate here. Everyone is extremely friendly and highly enthusiastic about studying economics. I’ve made lifelong friends and connections that would be impossible anywhere other than the URI economics department.