A Summer Full of Economics

The University of Chicago remains a leader in the field of Economics, continually forging new paths in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics offers students a range of programs, including an undergraduate degree, a Master of Arts in Economics (MAE), and a doctoral program, thereby gaining global recognition as an institution of higher education in the field of economics. This summer, Chatham Hall’s own Alice W. ’26 was in Chicago, taking full advantage of UChicago’s programs and taking in plenty of the sights as well.

Alice joined the University of Chicago’s pre-collegiate summer program, Economics from an Experimental Perspective, a three-week immersion that allowed her to explore a subject she loves and is considering studying in college. The course introduced her to one of the fastest-growing and most forward-thinking fields in the discipline: experimental economics. At the University of Chicago, a leader in this area, Alice stepped into the lab alongside her peers to observe real-world decisions and interactions, gaining insight into how markets function, what drives economic behavior, and how individuals make choices about issues such as environmental conservation and charitable giving. Through hands-on experiments, group problem-solving, and guided discussion, Alice engaged deeply with core economic principles in an exciting and practical context.

Alice shares, "In this course, I was exposed to the basic theories of economics for the first time and completed presentations and paper assignments centered around the long-term negative effects of school shootings on the local real estate market." She continues, "This learning experience not only presented a new challenge but also sparked my keen interest in economics. Through in-depth analysis of complex issues in the real world, I have come to realize the wide range of applications and far-reaching impacts of economics. In the future, I hope to continue to explore this field in depth and expand my academic horizons."

 

Back in April, we sat down with Alice to discuss her upcoming summer adventure. Read more here.