by Kylie Rowe

T he Department of Economics & Finance sent six students to present their undergraduate research at the Academy of Economics and Finance Conference on Feb. 13 in Pensacola, Florida. The College of Business & Technology students who participated in the conference are: Sam Kinney, Joe Dubsky, Solomon Ashu, Steven Hershberger, Izzy DeFelice and Michaeline Schmeelk.

These students spent a year studying topics they formulated themselves and conducting research under the mentorship of the economics faculty. To present at the AEF Conference, students had to submit an abstract before being accepted as presenters. They also had the opportunity to submit their papers for award consideration at the conference.

“The judges always say how polished our students are, every single year,” said Dr. Brooke Conaway, professor of economics and faculty advisor.

Taking time to perfect their papers and presentations gives judges and others at the conference a glimpse into the commitment to excellence demonstrated by GCSU students and faculty.

“I feel like the economics department, the entire department, equipped us with the tools to be able to do research like this,” said Soloman Ashu, a senior finance and economics major, presenting on whether having multiple sexual partners affects happiness. “I honestly think at any other school, it wouldn’t be the same.”

GCSU prioritizes support for students in their undergraduate research, and mentorship from faculty and staff impacts students' decisions on life-changing choices, such as their field of study.

“I think if I had gone to a different college, I wouldn’t even be an Econ major,” said Izzy DeFelice, a senior economics major, who presented on whether the use of hormonal contraceptives increases risky behavior.

Along with influencing decisions, Georgia College’s commitment to a liberal arts education continues to give students opportunities to set themselves apart when entering the workforce. Undergraduate student Joe Dubsky used his research to push himself further ahead in the field he wants to explore.

“I found quantitative easing interesting. We talked about it in ‘Money and Banking,’ so I kind of wanted to combine [quantitative reasoning and the Federal Reserve] to have something on my application that could put me ahead of other students,” said Dubsky, a senior economics and finance major, presenting on whether quantitative easing policies affect sectoral abnormal returns.

Undergraduate research that applies to future work opportunities is crucial for students looking to go directly into the workforce; however, at the AEF conference, presenters also have a chance to network with graduate school programs to explore if that is a path they want to choose.

Georgia College faculty and staff are dedicated to giving students the materials and opportunities they need to thrive in undergraduate research and beyond.

“They spend a lot of time outside the classroom giving me opportunities to really dive into what I’m looking at and trying to make it better,” said Steven Hershberger, a senior economics major, presenting on whether military service affects income in careers.