Introducing CSFE COVID-19 Research Project
The COVID-19 pandemic is having profound consequences on the well-being of North Carolinians. Many of these consequences are difficult to anticipate and understand.
Our team of researchers here at CSFE has been busy at work. As we move forward with our new CSFE COVID-19 Research Project, we’ll be working on three main areas:
1. COVID-19 Impact Analyses
2. Evidence-Based Policy Analyses
3. Free Enterprise Rules for Bottom-Up Recovery
Currently, we’re working on a study to calculate the economic impact of WCU’s partial closure on the WNC region, led by CSFE Faculty Affiliate and WCU economics professor Steve Ha. Another study, by CSFE Associate Director and also WCU economics professor Sean Mulholland, finds that colleges are taking a bigger enrollment hit in the counties most affected by the pandemic.
We are also working with granular data to discover the incidence of the pandemic. Incidence is a term that economists use to talk about the distributional effects of a shock or a policy. We’re hoping to build models that show the social, economic, and geographic patterns of the disease, and of the policy responses to it. Our goal is to provide the public with an evidence-based perspective on policy.
We also want to emphasize the need to facilitate bottom-up forces of recovery, and we hope to show how free enterprise principles can be helpful guides to policy. Price and entry regulations, for example, when they primarily serve private interests while erecting roadblocks to ordinary people’s economic opportunity, will hold back bottom-up recovery.
Over the coming weeks, we will be releasing research findings and policy analyses on this blog, in our social media channels, and through publications in scholarly and popular outlets. Please check back regularly. And join our list to receive email updates.
COVID-19 and Empty College Seats: Interview with Sean Mulholland
Our Associate Director Sean Mulholland has a new study on the college enrollment effects of COVID-19. He spoke recently with Shannon Watkins of The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal about the new research paper, “COVID-19 Prevalence and Empty College Seats.”
Sean’s study measures the prevalence of the pandemic using confirmed cases and COVID-related deaths. He then compares the prevalence of COVID-19 in the vicinity of colleges against the probability that those schools will have empty seats coming into fall 2020.
More empty seats are created when students are changing their minds about where to attend college. Sean found that according to surveys conducted in April 2020 as many as 25 percent of high school students were reconsidering their university decision options due to the uncertainty that COVID-19 has created in the world.
He found that several factors came into play, including distance from home to school, economic uncertainty and concern over contracting the virus itself. What he sought to understand was how these factors, specifically the likelihood of infection, were influencing incoming freshmen’s decisions.
Using data from the National Association of College Admission Councilors he was able to demonstrate an early link between the prevalence of COVID-19 in the county where the college was located and the availability of open freshmen seats for the fall 2020 semester, possibly indicating that fear of contraction of the virus is a deciding factor in enrollment decision.
The impact of COVID-19 on higher education is still unfolding, and Sean’s research continues to tackle the ongoing problem. Watch the full video here, and keep an eye out for more information on his work.
Watch Sean’s interview with The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal
What does a spike in positive COVID cases mean for NC?
North Carolina’s test numbers spike on Thursdays. The reasons are complicated, but many of those reasons reflect variations in human behavior that do not necessarily correlate with the threat that COVID-19 actually presents.
However, soon after we see these spikes on Thursdays, we also see a subsequent spike in confirmed cases. (The past three weeks have also seen level shifts starting on Thursdays leading into the following Mondays & Tuesdays, but this only strengthens my point here so let’s ignore it for simplicity.)
North Carolina has been grabbing national headlines when it reports a new high in daily confirmed cases. And each time, these case spikes are roundly described as a surge in coronavirus. But does a surge in confirmed cases alone mean that more people are getting sick? It could instead reflect the fact that more tests are being completed. Therefore more cases are being confirmed. Turns out, right before North Carolina grabbed headlines on May 30 for reporting its highest daily case count, completed tests had been increasing by more than a third starting that Thursday before. While this pushed up the total number of cases in the coming days, the percentage of cases remained fairly level over that period.
The testing strategy in NC is improving. This week on Wednesday (19 days after its last formal expansion) the state rolled out an expansion of its testing strategy, adding marginalized populations to the priority list. This is an important step, because testing in broader populations, not just people who we know are sick or at risk, provides crucial early detection.
Still, a clear and impartial look at these numbers is not always what we hear reported. Prepare for expressions of concern and caution about North Carolina’s confirmed case count. Sunday if the pattern holds. And it could be a big spike, too, because as of yesterday June 4 we were already leveled above the past week’s Sunday spike.
The good news includes, among other items, that even with the welcome and overdue increase in testing, current number of COVID hospitalizations remains flat, right where its been since about May 25th.
Catching up with Ann Bennett
We occasionally use this blog to catch up with our former students who are now onto great things. In this installment, we are “Catching up with Ann Bennett.”
Ann is a 2018 graduate of WCU with an interdisciplinary degree in Spanish, Japanese, and economics. For the past two years, she has been working in the D.C. area while pursuing a master’s degree in economics. Her adventures have taken her from corners of campus libraries on three continents to the very heart of economic policy analysis at Washington’s Council of Economic Advisers. Here is a bit of her story.
Q1: Welcome back, Ann! So, you took an interesting route as an undergrad with us. Tell us about that. How did it set you up for what you’re doing now?
I transferred to Western from Brevard College in my sophomore year. I was searching for more opportunities, and I found them: both in Cullowhee and in my studies abroad. I initially wanted to focus on international relations, business, and language studies. Under the business curriculum, I took microeconomics with Dr. Ullmer, and in his class, I found out about CSFE BB&T scholarships to pursue workshops in different universities. These scholarships allowed me to travel to several states including Florida, South Carolina, and Washington D.C. in pursuit of extracurricular education relating to economics. Meanwhile, I expanded my language studies to include Japanese in addition to Spanish.
At that time, WCU students were allotted three semesters of study abroad. Through the UNC consortium program, I studied in Spain during fall 2016 and in 2017 I completed two semesters at Chukyo University in Japan. In Japan, I decided to pursue economics at the graduate level because economics would allow me to funnel my various experiences into a common framework of analysis, capable of answering all my questions about how the world works.
While at WCU I also competed on the track and field team and volunteered with Bridge Church (formerly Campus Church). I graduated from the Honor’s College Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Economics and Language Studies (Spanish and Japanese) in May of 2018. However, honestly, I was ready for bigger challenges. Graduate school excited me. In retrospect, I was super fortunate during my time at WCU. I cannot imagine making it this far without all the incredible professors, advisors, and community support I found in my time there.
Q2. So what’s been going on since then?
I was graciously offered the MA Fellowship from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The fellowship provides an incredible opportunity to pursue graduate studies while building research skills through working with Mercatus scholars on a variety of topics. In my time at Mercatus, I had the opportunity to work with the Trade and Immigration, Urbanity, and Regdata teams. Through my work, I discovered my passion for urban economics. Mercatus’ urbanity team mainly researches topics involving housing development and regulation. This work prepared me to intern with the Municipality of Guatemala City over summer 2019 working with the planning department, local mayor, and private developers to discuss strategies to promote development in the city.
Q3. You’ve described the specific interests you had when finishing undergrad. Did your first year of graduate work broaden and/or deepen your research interests?
The first year was a heavy dose of reality. Suddenly, things aren’t a breeze, and you have to work harder than you ever have just to barely make it. This is the wonderful thing about graduate school though; it brings out the best in you and humbles you. In my case, it also showed me how lucky I was to have the fellowship and be at GMU. Graduate school is hypercompetitive because many people have very different backgrounds and strengths and weaknesses. To contrast, within the fellowship, you automatically receive a community of students and advisors to support you and guide you through. Many other graduate programs have an “every man for himself” mentality, but GMU is the complete opposite. GMU and especially Mercatus provide a uniquely collaborative environment. I feel very fortunate that my connections at WCU led me to study at GMU. Additionally, as everyone will tell you, the first year is the most difficult, so it’s really important to hunker down and do your best to make it through.
In the process, I gradually realized that my interests in international issues have a lot in common with pressing issues in urban economics. I am from the Chicagoland area, and I have always been fascinated by the problems that confront cities, so working on the development of cities and housing and zoning really piqued my interest. Through contacts made at a FEE event and Mercatus, I was able to secure an internship in the planning department of the Municipality of Guatemala City for the summer of 2019: truly a transformative experience. Working with local governments shows you the constraints faced by policy-makers on the ground.
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- Attending summit on clean water initiatives with the former president and minister of the environment.
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- Presenting to Guatemala City Land Registry Bureau about policies which promote affordable housing (Spanish)
Q4. You’ve been able to catapult that even further. Tell us about your internship at the Council of Economic Advisers, and what do you see coming next for you?
I really enjoyed my time at the Council. My intern class was full of incredible, talented students from all over the country who inspired me to be the best version of myself. Although I did my tenure as a Master’s student, I highly recommend the program for undergraduate students as well. They pair you with a junior economist to do research, which I really appreciated because it builds accountability and you know who to ask if you have questions or doubts about anything. It is also an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with understanding the Executive branch which works a bit differently from Capitol Hill. Finally, there’s the wow-factor. I am very thankful for every morning I was able to work so close to the White House, pass important people on the way to coffee, and be mentored by and collaborate with leading economists from across the country.
CEA East Wing tour
This summer I will participate in the American Economic Association Summer program which gives students an opportunity to bolster their qualitative and quantitative skills in Economics. I am very excited to take part in this program which provides a taste of PhD life while building your network with top economics/policy students and faculty from around the country. From July, I will be joining the Young Voices Contributors program which provides training and mentorship opportunities to young writers. In the fall, I wish to work as a research analyst in housing and urban development policy, and start applications for PhD programs in Economics.
A look back at a moment in CSFE history when we hosted the Man on the Moon, Charlie Duke
The Free Enterprise Speaker Series welcomed Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut and the youngest person to walk on the moon, Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Charlie Duke with WCU hat
“I was invited to speak to the students and faculty of Western Carolina University this past September. My wife, Dorothy, and I were very blessed on our visit. The students and faculty that we met gave us a wonderfully warm and enthusiastic welcome, as I spoke of my adventures on Apollo 16 and walking on the moon. It was a delight to be on WCU’s beautiful campus in the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains. For those interested, I have a website, charlieduke.com, where you can learn more about Apollo and also where you can purchase autographed copies of our book, Moonwalker, and autographed photos from Apollo 16.” -Charlie Duke
Amy Fagan, a WCU geosciences assistant professor was invited to come on stage with Mr. Duke and Dr. Lopez to participate in the “Out-of-this-world chat”. Dr. Fagan worked with lunar samples since 2009 and is an Apollo sample principal investigator.
Amy Fagan, Charlie Duke, Edward Lopez
“It was a tremendous opportunity to talk to one of only 12 people to have ever set foot on another planetary object in the history of mankind, particularly just after the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing in July 1969.” – Amy Fagan
Amy Fagan receiving gift
Read a blog entry that Dr. Fagan wrote including photos from Apollo 16 Mission and a unique comparison to how far Mr. Duke journeyed while on the moon. Read the blog here: “From the Moon to Cullowhee”
The Center was so appreciative of Dr. Fagan’s time, knowledge and stage presence, she was recently gifted a signed portrait of Charlie Duke.
Before and after the chat, Charlie Duke chatted with students of all ages. Here an elementary aged girl came to see the chat dressed as an astronaut herself. Charlie was happy to meet her and take a photo with her.
Charlie Duke and young Apollo fan
WCU students meeting Mr. Duke
“If I can motivate some kids to aim high and study harder, then who knows what their career will bring.” -Charlie Duke
The Asheville local news station was at the event and did a great story of his visit. Please watch the WLOC clip here: WLOS.COM
Want to watch the video of the entire event? Please visit our website to see the recording from “Out-of-this-World Chat with Charlie Duke”. Watch recording here (must have access to facebook).
Catching Up with Alex Kanode
We occasionally use this blog to catch up with our former students who are now onto great things. In this installment, we are “Catching Up with Alex Kanode”.
Alex is a 2016 graduate of WCU with dual majors in Sociology and International Studies and a minor in Economics. Having been President of the Economics Club and the Sociology Club, he left durable impressions on his peers and professors. After leaving Cullowhee, Alex moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue an M.A. in Economics from George Mason University. He now lives in Conway, Arkansas, where he is a Policy Analyst for the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics (ACRE).
Q1: Welcome back, Alex! So tell us, what’s been going on since you wrapped up your time at WCU?
Alex: Thank you, Ed! It’s great to be back. Since I left WCU it’s been a whirlwind of stops and stints in places I never thought I’d go. And yet, it all makes sense in retrospect. While I was studying for my masters at George Mason University, I was awarded a research assistantship to work with GMU economics faculty at the Mercatus Center, an on-campus research and public policy think tank. Initially, I helped Marginal Revolution University with background research for their library of instructional videos. I was able to snag a summer internship at the Johnson Center at Troy University in Alabama (where coincidentally I worked for former WCU Professor Stephen Miller). The following year, I found my home as a policy analyst at ACRE where I’ve been ever since.
Q2: Wow, that really is a whirlwind. Which policy issues have you been studying?
Alex: If you had told me when I graduated from WCU that I would be a policy analyst in Conway, Arkansas instead of working in international development, I would never have believed you. But it’s true. These days I focus almost entirely on occupational licensing. It turns out that occupational licensing is a very active area of public policy in many different states right now, so I find there is always something to write about. And it’s a continuation as well. As an undergrad, I took a deep interest in questions of poverty across the world. Yet I found myself more and more skeptical that I would be able to discover ways to bring a country out of poverty where I have few connections or local knowledge. Instead, I found myself looking closer to home. And because occupational licensing (OL) often has disproportionate effects on low-income populations, I am still following my early interests, only through a different set of policy issues.
Q3: You mentioned your interest in questions of poverty and economic development. How did your time at WCU cultivate those?
Alex: There was a specific semester that comes to mind that really embodies my undergrad experience. All at the same time I took a Globalism and Development Sociology class, Philosophy of Justice and Human Rights class, and Dr. Lopez’s Ethics of Capitalism class. These courses presented distinct yet complementary ways of looking at many of the same global issues. Being able to bounce ideas off people with wildly varying viewpoints, and using those discussions to grow and develop a better understanding of the world, was an incredible experience. I came to Western with the idea that I wanted to make a difference and improve peoples’ lives, and during that semester everything crystalized for me.
Q4: Tell us a little more about your time as a Masters student in Economics. How would you describe it?
Alex: It was nerve-racking at first! I’m going to a school full of incredibly smart people who are very passionate about the field they’re in. It was definitely no longer like undergrad. This made me feel average at first since I was in that in-between bubble of masters students. Yet I knew that I just had to recognize that these are all exceptional people and the fact that I’m average here is still great. I started to relax and feel more comfortable after my first year, and being in that environment of excellence was a blessing. Instead of getting hung up on the basics, we got to dive deep into topics like private responses to natural disasters, different solutions to commons problems, stuff like that.
Q5: Now that you’ve been working at ACRE for a while, tell us about that experience. How have you helped us all better understand the effects of occupational licensing and alternatives to it.
Alex: This has been an incredible experience. When I first got to ACRE, I spent a few months diving into the many weird licensing laws in Arkansas, and then provide information to help during the legislative session. Just in this last session Arkansas legislators finally de-licensed horse massage therapists. They also passed a law requiring sunset reviews, which examine every license to find ways to reduce burdens for Arkansans. In the future, I’ll be attending every review meeting and providing information for the review committee to use to enact meaningful reform.
Alex Kanode, WCU class of 2016, testifying to the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee of the Arkansas Senate, spring 2019.
EPIC Innovation held their annual Shark Tank, pitch party
EPIC Innovation organized its 5th Annual Fall Pitch Party at Western Carolina University on October 7, 2019 with over 100 people in attendance. EPIC is a student initiative within the College of Business that encourages entrepreneurship through Elevating Potential, Imagination, and Collaboration. The event was sponsored by WCU’s Center for the Study of Free Enterprise (CSFE).
The pitch party offers an opportunity for existing and aspiring student entrepreneurs from all disciplines to present their business ideas for a panel of judges and a live audience. Before the official event, participants work with mentors to research relevant industry information, develop their pitch content, and improve their presentation techniques. At the competition, the participants have five minutes to present their ideas, followed by two minutes for questions and feedback from the judges. Emily Tatum, a student participant in the event, stated that “preparing for and competing in this event helped improve my public speaking skills in a way that I cannot get in the traditional classroom.”
This year, the competition had two tracks. One track was for outdoor-related business ideas in support of the Regional Outdoor Economic Conference being held in Asheville on October 7th. The winner of this track was invited to present their idea to over 300 outdoor-related businesses and professionals attending the conference. The other track was for all other business ideas. The panel of judges determined the top three winners in each track and the audience voted for their favorite business idea to receive the People’s Choice award.
Track 1: Outdoor-Related Ideas
In the outdoor-business track, first place went to Juan Endara for his invention of a camp stove. The Campstove is a lightweight, foldable stove that burns hotter than other stoves currently on the market. It fits easily in a backpack and is great for cooking.
The second-place winner was Chase Robinson for his company idea called C.A.R. Custom Fishing Rods. Robinson builds his own rods to satisfy the fishing needs of his customers, and he also repairs rods in less time than his larger competitors. He has brought art and craftsmanship into the fishing industry.
Third place went to Jeremy Burgin, who pitched his invention called Camp Cube. It is a multiuse outdoor product that has Bluetooth speakers, USB outlets, lights, and solar charging. It can be used while camping, out on the water, or working on a construction site. This entry also tied for the People’s Choice Award.
Track 2: All Business-related Ideas
The first-place winner of the All-Business track was Emily Tatum, the creator of Safe Locate. She pitched Safe Locate, a mobile app that could be used by emergency responders and bystanders in critical mass incidents, such as an active shooting. Tatum also tied for the People’s Choice award.
The second-place winner was Brett Lemmons, with his pitch for The “L” Bus Shuttle Company. This shuttle service could be purchased by local bars to transport students to and from campus, helping reduce the possibility of students driving under the influence.
Third place went to Michael Cobb with his idea called Michael’s Bridge. It is a program to support homeless students that may be in need of housing between semesters and during summer break.
The other students competing in the All-Business track were Lauren Mounce, who pitched Our Table, a farm tour app that would organize dinner events for local farmers, restaurants, and chefs to encourage agri-tourism; and Ryan Gillig, who pitched his idea for a product inventory app called Q&E Inventory for small-media production companies in our region.
The panel of judges consisted of local business professionals. In no particular order, the judges were Sandra Dennison, the Regional Director of the SBTDC; Pam Frey, a former executive at Wells Fargo and a board member for CSFE; Mariano Garrido-Lopez, an Assistant Professor for WCU College of Business; Arthur Salido, the Executive Director for Community and Economic Engagement and Innovation; and Noah Wilson, the Program Director for Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC and the President of Emergent Opportunities Inc. After the event, Frey commented that she was “very impressed with the students and the level of entrepreneurial ideas.”
News coverage from the Oct 3, 2019 Addiction & Opioid Town Hall
Oct 8th, 2019
Story by Geoff Cantrell from WCU
Town hall on opioid and addiction crisis opens doors to potential solutions
“The town hall, with panel discussions, speakers and a breakout session, was a partnership between WCU’s Center for the Study of Free Enterprise and the Jackson County Community Foundation, which launched a monthlong opioid and addiction awareness campaign in September leading up to the forum. More than 200 people attended, including WCU faculty, staff and students, government officials, health professionals and health care advocates, law enforcement, journalists and community members.”
Read more here:
Oct 2, 2019
Op-Ed in Smoky Mountain News by Beth Young
WCU Social Work
We must be honest about adolescent addiction
“Adolescent substance use is on the rise across the country. Access to drugs (including opioids) and alcohol has increased exponentially, and the risks associated with substance use continue to grow in this vulnerable population. Again, the argument can be made that this is typical for a teenager to experiment with alcohol or other drugs, but I challenge that thinking, as it doesn’t have to be the case. The Centers for Disease Control have identified significant long-term impacts of adolescent substance use, which include impacts to physical growth and brain development, health and wellbeing problems, and increased engagement in behaviors that are deemed risky.”
Read more here:
Oct 1, 2019
op-ed in the (Waynesville) Mountaineer
WCU’s Lane Perry and Pathways Center Mandy Haithcox
‘Releasing the Shame’: A story about opioids’ impact on individuals and communities
“Over the years, the impact of the opioid crisis has been felt across our communities, and organizations such as Pathways are there to meet the need at both the personal and community levels. While opioid addiction erodes foundations, Pathways focuses on building foundations.”
Read more here:
Sept 30, 2019
Story by Lilly Knoepp from Blue Ridge Public Radio
How Substance Abuse Issues Have Changed In WNC
“Prescription opioid abuse has been in the national spotlight this summer as new data about the numbers of prescriptions per county has been released. North Carolina is also part of national lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma for their role in the crisis. In Western North Carolina, the policies around opioids and substance abuse issues are shifting as local politicians and experts look for a solution to the epidemic.”
Read more here
Sept 25, 2019
Story by Cory Vaillancourt from Smoky Mountain News
Western Carolina University event ‘walks the walk’ on opioid crisis
“It’s been said time and time again after forums, panels and public meetings held in communities across the country over the past dozen-odd years: if we could talk our way out of the nation’s opioid crisis, it would have been over a decade ago. “
Read more here:
Sept 25, 2019
Op-Ed in Smoky Mountain News by Kae Livsey
WCU Nursing
More than medicine needed to address opioid epidemic
“The profession of nursing is the most broadly educationally prepared group of health care professionals that can contribute a holistic perspective to address the complex needs of individuals, families and communities working to overcome this current crisis. For this to happen, the general public, medical providers and policymakers need to acknowledge that there are other ways to support health and wellness beyond traditional medical treatments. Medical providers, in particular, need to do a better job understanding what other health care professionals can bring to the table.”
Read more here:
Sept 18, 2019
Op Ed in Smoky Mountain News by Albert Kopak
WCU Criminology
To reduce overdose deaths, start in the local jail
“The criminal justice system operates on the principle that individual will is the sole determinant of behavior. If the defendant wants to stay out of jail, avoid a probation violation or make it to the next court date, then he’ll make it happen. This approach seems to suffice, until the gaps in the system prove otherwise.”
Read more here:
Speaker Event: Why Do People Die by Suicide?
Part of our mission here at the Center is to support work that helps better understand the determinants of human flourishing. This is why we held our recent awareness campaign and town hall on the opioid & addiction crises, and why we are expanding our efforts in these areas. This is also why we are pleased to be one of the co-sponsors an upcoming campus talk about suicide, featuring Dr. Thomas E. Joiner, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Florida State University and one of the world’s leading experts on suicide. Our own Dr. David McCord, WCU Professor of Psychology and member of the Center’s Advisory Board, is the force behind this event. We sat down with David and asked for his thoughts on this important event.
Q1: Why is it important for WCU to address the topic of suicide?
David: Suicide is a leading cause of death, with over 1,000,000 cases annually worldwide. It is inextricably linked to other pernicious socio-cultural phenomena including opioid and other addictions, availability of guns, and violence in media and life. As WCU graduates are being prepared for citizenship in an array of important domains, including healthcare, education, and public policy, it is essential that they have the most current scientific perspectives on this devastating issue.
Q2: Our guest speaker is Dr. Thomas Joiner, a renowned psychologist and leading expert on suicide. Can you tell us a little about him?
David: Dr. Thomas E. Joiner is by most indicators the world’s leading suicidologist. He completed his undergraduate degree at Princeton and his Ph.D.in clinical psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the faculty of Florida State University in 1997, by which time he had already gained prominence in suicide research. He is the primary author of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, the leading scientific perspective on this issue. His risk-assessment framework is very widely used. He has published widely on methods of intervention and case management. In all of these areas Dr. Joiner’s work has redefined the state of knowledge and added important discoveries. He lists more than 540 scientific publications, including journal articles, chapters, and books. His most cited publication is his book, Why People Die by Suicide, Harvard University Press, with more than 3,000 citations. His research at Florida State is currently supported by more than 70 million dollars in external grant funding.
Q3: What are the main issues that Dr. Joiner will address in his talk?
David: Dr. Joiner is very comfortable talking to top-tier scientific groups, and equally comfortable talking to general audiences. He will explain in clear language the main components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Much of his research has been on risk assessment, and he will certainly discuss myths about suicide as well as genuine warning signs. He will provide some ideas as to how we as friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers can be helpful to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, and he is likely to have some thoughts about public policy issues as well.
Q4: Suicide is a difficult subject to talk about. Through Dr. Joiner’s research and his talk here on November 6, how does he provide a measure of hope?
David: This is an interesting question. Dr. Joiner is not into doom-and-gloom scenarios. In contrast, he has gained through scientific research a much better understanding of suicidality than we had previously. Much of his energy has been devoted to developing more accurate screening and assessment techniques, and, most importantly, intervention approaches that actually work. The audience should leave this presentation with a much better grasp of the disturbing and difficult issue of suicide, and they should be able to talk about it with others more comfortably and openly. They should be able to recognize signs earlier, be more willing to face them squarely, and to respond more appropriately and helpfully to others in need.
Student Voices: Alexia Bevers
Editor’s Note: CSFE helped send Ally Bevers, a senior math and econ major, to the Claremont Graduate University Empirical Workshop held June 10 – 13, 2019. Ally is planning to enter a doctoral program in finance or economics next fall, so she is already putting to work the research skills that she learned at the workshop. Hope you enjoy her short reflection on the experience.
The Claremont Graduate University Empirical Workshop was an amazing experience and I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to attend. It was located in beautiful Claremont, California and the attendees were from all over the country. Well over 200 students applied and I was lucky enough to be one of only three undergraduates who attended. Along with learning about empirical theory and methods, I got to make friends and hear about their graduate school experiences in a crucial time where I am preparing to make decisions about graduate school myself.
Ally Bevers (back center, in gray) poses with other attendees from the Claremont Workshop
The workshop covered a wide variety of topics during the week. We heard from many different professors on the topics of workflow, randomization and randomization inference, causal inference, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, synthetic controls, hidden curriculum, machine learning, and web scraping. If it seems like a lot to fit into a week, trust me, it was! We worked from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., got an hour’s break for lunch, and worked from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Each day was very content-heavy, and we moved quickly through the material. The workshop was designed for 2nd– and 3rd-year graduate students, so there were times I found myself lost because I was not familiar with the content. However, this challenged me to make the best of my situation and take a moment to breathe and reorient myself so I didn’t get frustrated. This experience was important for my personal development, as generally in my undergraduate courses I am on top of the content and don’t tend to get lost. Challenging myself in this way helped me grow as a student and person.
The content I found most useful was workflow, hidden curriculum, and difference-in-differences. I am currently doing the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Western Carolina University and my research project uses difference-in-differences. Going back through the history, mathematical theory, and code in Stata was extremely beneficial and I took notes to help me with my research. The hidden curriculum was everything we needed to know in order to run productive regressions that we wouldn’t have learned in econometrics. We learned how to avoid mistakes in workflow so we didn’t make major errors in our programming. This can be done by having organized subdirectories, automating the creation of charts and graphs, having a common naming convention, controlling versions of your work, and annotating your code so you will remember what you did and why when you go back and look at them. I was so inspired by the workflow talk we heard that I went through my laptop folders and reorganized and renamed my files in the airport before I came home.
The most interesting content was the coding. I loved learning about machine learning and web scraping in R and I took notes on different resources to look into so that I could learn how to code better. It was so intriguing to see what was possible with just a few lines of code. I got excited about applying the code to real-world examples, and along with the advice I had received from people throughout the week, it helped me become closer to making a decision about my future plans.
Overall, the Claremont Graduate University Empirical Workshop was integral in shaping my decision about the future. It provided me with the insight I needed about what economics PhD programs are like through hearing real experiences of others and seeing the level of content taught in an economics PhD program. I got to receive unbiased third-party opinions from professors whom I hadn’t met before but plan on keeping in contact with. It was truly a wonderful experience and I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend.