Becker Friedman Institute for Economics

This week, we kicked off the inaugural Growth Academy organized by the Global Center for Economic Growth (a collaborative initiative between the University of Chicago’s Becker Friedman Institute for Economics and The World Bank) hosting policy professionals and researchers from 23 middle-income countries. The agenda for the first two days of the two-week event included: • Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of The World Bank Group, introducing the World Development Report 2024; • Michael Greenstone, Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago Economics, talking about the global energy challenge; • Philippe Aghion, Professor at the Collège de France and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), talking about the role of creative destruction in overcoming middle-income traps; • Lars Peter Hansen, David Rockefeller Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago and a 2013 Nobel Prize recipient in Economics, discussing a robust Bayesian approach to distinguish risk, ambiguity, and misspecification for uncertainty associated with climate change; • Ufuk Akcigit, Arnold C. Harberger Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, Lead Academic for the 2024 World Development Report, and co-organizer of the Growth Academy, presenting microdata applications on business dynamism; • Somik L., Senior Adviser to the Chief Economist at the World Bank, Director of the World Development Report 2024, and co-organizer of the Growth Academy, debunking myths about the energy transition.

I am thrilled to announce that I'll be joining Dr. John List's team as a Research Assistant at the University of Chicago's Becker Friedman Institute for Economics this summer. This opportunity is a dream come true, and I'm eager to contribute to groundbreaking research in Economics. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my professors, mentors, and everyone who supported me on this journey. Special thanks to Michelle Skinner, Prof. Denise Hazlett, and the incredible #EDE team for their support and encouragement. This internship is a pivotal step in my preparation for a career in Economics, and I can't wait to share my experiences and insights with you all. Stay tuned for updates on my journey! #ResearchAssistant #Internship #Economics #UniversityOfChicago #CareerGrowth

I’m excited to share that I’m starting a new position as Research Assistant at Becker Friedman Institute for Economics for Summer ‘24!

“You belong here” – these three words summarize my experience at the Expanding Diversity in Economics (EDE) program. Over the past few weeks, I participated in the EDE program, an initiative between the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago and The Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. The program was enriched by listening to Nobel laureates discuss their groundbreaking work, and by all the networking events we have been exposed to. I felt honored to be in class alongside distinguished professors, professionals, and my talented peers. After visiting many prestigious institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Washington, D.C., the Department of Treasury, the World Bank, the IMF, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., among many others, I sometimes questioned whether I ‘deserved’ to be in such esteemed settings. But it was Quentin Johnson who affirmed that everyone is welcome in the field of economics, confirming that the EDE program’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a mission statement but a lived reality. I want to express my gratitude to all my classmates, staff, professors, and advisors for their support and encouragement, and for making this experience truly transformative. Now, I feel that I am not merely a member here, but an integral part of this community, igniting my determination to further advance my journey on economic research!

I feel very proud to have been part of the 2024 Expanding Diversity in Economics cohort through the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics. Along with learning and exposing myself to various ideas, perspectives, and schools of thought within economics, I also had the opportunity to interact with some of the most passion-driven and creative undergrad economists from a wide array of backgrounds. This was an experience that could not be obtained through any other program at this level. It is truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you to the various teams who made everything possible. The work that goes on behind the scenes is always considered. I hope to leave my part as an alumni of Expanding Diversity in Economics and help to expand this program and reach new potentials every year to come.

Over the past 3 weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Expanding Diversity in Economics (EDE) Summer institute, a program hosted by the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago and the The Brookings Institution.  During this time, I have engaged in learning about the different fields of economics from UChicago professors and Nobel laureates. I have gained hands on experience with STATA and presented a group data project exploring the effects of access to electricity on human development. In DC, I was able to learn more about Fiscal Policy and visit institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Governors, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. It was amazing getting to meet everyone in the 2024 cohort and I can’t wait to see the impact we have on economics! Huge thanks to all the program staff, Quentin Johnson, Maia Rabenold, Emma Byerwalter, and Jessie Snyder for their leadership throughout the program and to the TA’s Neila “Nina” Kerkebane, Brian Curran, Claire Qing Fan for their guidance and support with the data project.

It has been a bittersweet experience to finish the Expanding Diversity in Economics Summer Institute with the University of Chicago and Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy with The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. This second half of the program was filled with amazing networking events, exposure to reputable opportunities and organizations, and lessons about fiscal and monetary policies. While also adding visits to the Department of Treasury, The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve Bank (Chicago & Washington, D.C), and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Thank you EDE Quadfecta: Quentin Johnson, Emma Byerwalter, Maia Rabenold, and Jessie Snyder and to Stephanie Cencula and David Wessel for the support, coordination, and commitment to the 2024 EDE cohort. I am blessed for this experience which has truly impacted my life and has set pathways for new beginnings and missions. I was able to have the most of this enriching experience. My fellow peers have challenged me to strive to want more and aim for better in the field of economics. I am proud to call myself an EDE scholar and alumni!

This past month, I had an incredible opportunity to participate in the EDE (Expanding Diversity in Economics) Summer Institute at the University of Chicago and The Brookings Institution. The program was designed to expose students to the field of economics and provide them with valuable knowledge to help them prosper down the road. Networking events, learning sessions, and field trips at Becker Friedman Institute for Economics, The Brookings Institution, The International Monetary Fund, The World Bank Group, JPMorganChase, Northern Trust, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve Board (Chicago & Washington, D.C) were a game changer. Thank you, EDE team: Quentin Johnson, Emma Byerwalter, Maia Rabenold, Jessie Snyder, Stephanie Cencula, David Wessel, Benjamin Krause, David Fettig, and especially the strong trio for making this experience possible. I have to mention that besides being exposed to the true meaning of Economics and making many friends, I have had an opportunity to learn the correct way to free throw the basketball from Quentin Johnson. Also, a big shoutout to my cohort members, our instructors and TAs Diego Mendez-Carbajo, Fiona Burlig, Damon Jones, Matthew Notowidigdo, Chad Syverson, Alexander Torgovitsky, Brian Curran, Claire Qing Fan, Neila “Nina” Kerkebane, Sam Boocker, Eli Asdourian, Alex Conner, Georgia Nabors, and Lorae Stojanovic. Overall, this experience has been incredible. It has expanded my understanding of economics and connected me with brilliant minds. I look forward to the future and am eager to see our impact together. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Over the past three weeks, I had the profound privilege of participating in the Expanding Diversity in Economics (EDE) program, organized by Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago. The final week in Washington, D.C., was facilitated by The Brookings Institution. This experience has been incredibly enriching. I had the honor of learning from and engaging with distinguished individuals who have greatly influenced my understanding of economics and inspired me with their journeys. Sessions on Causal Inference led by Fiona Burlig, Damon Jones, and Alexander Torgovitsky, and Microeconomic Inquiry by Chad Syverson and Matthew Notowidigdo, provided invaluable insights. Additionally, guest talks by prominent figures such as Anjali Adukia, John List, Diag Davenport, Manasi Deshpande, Cecilia Rouse, Ben Bernanke, and Nobel Laureates like Michael Kremer and James J. Heckman were exceptionally enlightening. Visiting remarkable places such as Federal Reserve Board, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Northern Trust, U.S. Department of the Treasury, JPMorganChase, The World Bank and International Monetary Fund left a lasting impact on me, further enhancing the learning experience. The unparalleled networking opportunities allowed me to connect with leaders and peers in the field, opening doors to new ideas and collaborations. I am profoundly grateful to the EDE program for this transformative journey. Special thanks to Quentin Johnson, Emma Byerwalter, Jessie Snyder and Maia Rabenold for their exceptional leadership and dedication in organizing this program. I want to thank everyone, especially my wonderful peers, who supported and encouraged me along the way.