Stephen Abadir is a rising junior at the University of Richmond, majoring in Mathematical Economics. He plans to pursue post-graduate studies in economics. Stephen enjoys watching and playing sports, including soccer, tennis and basketball. Through the EDE program, Stephen is looking forward to meeting economics faculty, professionals and students from different schools across the US. He is also excited for the exposure to econometrics and STATA programming.

Douae Aghezzaf is a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond. She plans to study Mathematical Economics and Computer Science. Douae is currently a member of Scholars of Finance, and is a French tutor and an Arabic teaching assistant. She loves traveling and discovering new places, and enjoys watching movies. Douae is excited about the opportunity to connect with fellow students from this year’s cohort, fostering meaningful relationships and building a supportive network. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge and gaining insights from professionals in the industry.

Jalyn Allen (she/they) is a rising senior at Brandeis University studying Economics and Mandarin Chinese. Originally hailing from New York City, she attends university as a Posse Scholar. She works as a peer advisor at the Brandeis Hiatt Career Center and is a Residential Advisor for the Department of Community Living. She also served as a Co-President for the Femmes of Color Alliance Club on campus. She is currently researching the economic behavior of newly freed black Americans between the Antebellum and Jim Crow Eras. In her free time, she likes crocheting, drawing, and listening to music. She is looking forward to learning more about how economic theory informs real-world decisions and connecting with other people of color in this field.

M Aditta Arian, a rising junior at Williams College, is an international student from Bangladesh majoring in Economics and Mathematics. Beyond the classroom, Arian is a Teaching Assistant in Mathematics and a Peer Tutor in Economics and Statistics. He is an avid soccer fan, and loves watching sitcoms. Arian hopes to merge his passions by completing a PhD in Financial Mathematics. His goal is to unravel the complicated dynamics of global economies by making significant contributions to the fields of Mathematics and Economics, as well as exploring the complexities of financial systems. Arian looks forward to the insights and experiences of the program, and is eager to contribute to and learn from the diverse discourse around economics.

Brian Botero is a rising sophomore from the Chicago suburbs currently studying at the University of Richmond. He is interested in studying economics and looks forward to gaining  more clarity on the career paths within the field, with additional interests in finance, consulting, and data analytics. As a Bonner Scholar, he is passionate about civic engagement and addressing economic, educational, and healthcare inequalities. He is part of the Scholars of Finance chapter at his school and plans to become a residential advisor next year. He is also co-founding a Hispanic co-ed fraternity chapter within Alpha Psi Lambda starting next year. Brian finds time to indulge in his passion for music as a weekly DJ at the on-campus radio station on ‘The Lost and Found’ radio show, playing a range of genres, including poetic soul, alternative hip-hop, RnB, and even ‘sad girl’ music. Additionally, he enjoys playing ultimate frisbee on the club team and lifting in the gym. He is looking forward to finally meeting the EDE cohort and further exploring economics at UChicago.

Bernadette Carney is a rising junior at Swarthmore College. She plans to major in economics and minor in history. Bernadette is a class senator for Swarthmore’s Student Government Organization and is a club member of Enlace, Swarthmore’s affinity group for Latinx students. Outside of school, Bernadette enjoys discovering new music and going on runs. Bernadette chose to study economics because it provides a means to better understand and solve real world problems. She is particularly interested in health economics. Through EDE, Bernadette is eager to learn more from the program leaders and connect with fellow students.

Yessica Castaneda is a rising junior at Florida International University. She plans to study Sociology with a concentration in economics. Yessica is passionate about leveraging economic principles to address social inequalities. Eager to deepen her understanding of monetary policy and its impact on marginalized communities, Yessica is committed to fostering inclusivity within the field. She is excited to attend EDE to amplify underrepresented voices in economic discourse, focusing on empowering individuals from similar backgrounds to pursue economics careers. She is also looking forward to the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.

Kennedy Cheung is a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago. She plans to major in economics with a specialization in business and minor in quantitative social analysis. Kennedy is currently a member of the varsity volleyball team and the Women’s Athletic Association. She is looking forward to meeting new people and learning more about economic theory and applied economic analysis.

Arun Dahal Khatri is a rising junior at the University of Maryland Baltimore County interested in financial economics. His academic journey is characterized by a profound interest in economic theories and their application in the modern economic landscape. As an active member of the UMBC Economics Council, Arun has been involved in enriching discussions on economic policies and trends. Arun enjoys collaboration and simplifying complex economic concepts, highlighted by his team leadership in various economics and policy competitions. Through the EDE program, he looks forward to meeting new people and expanding his professional network.

Safina Davis is a rising junior at Lafayette College. She plans to study economics and data science while pursuing her passion for real estate. Safina currently serves on the executive board for the Real Estate Club as vice president and treasurer for the Caribbean and African Dance Club. She grew up in New York City, where she developed her love for sightseeing and cooking. She is looking forward to advancing her education in economics, but most importantly, she is looking forward to getting to know her peers and networking with professors and researchers.

Crystal Eke is a rising sophomore majoring in economics at Morgan State University. She plans to specialize in business and development economics. Crystal is currently working as a research assistant on redlining research at Morgan State. She is also involved in the National Economics Association, and plans to serve as a communications liaison. Crystal is an avid reader who enjoys reading fiction novels and crocheting. She is looking forward to meeting other students from across the country and learning more about economics in general.

Alex Faulkner is a rising junior at Stetson University. He is currently studying economics and Arabic. Alex currently works closely with Stetson’s Center For Public Opinion Research where he gathers, reports, and analyzes data that works towards social, political, and economic movements in his local city. In his free time, Alex likes to play chess, pool, and explore maps. He is looking forward to exploring the possibilities of the economics field during his time at EDEthe possibilities of the economics field during his time at EDE.

Janci Finkley is a rising senior at Morehouse College studying economics and computer science. He is a dedicated scholar on the pre-law track, interested in providing legal counseling for marginalized communities. Janci is currently an Executive Board Member for Morehouse’s Student Government Association. He is also a music enthusiast and a personal stylist. Janci is looking forward to getting to know other students from across the country and networking with researchers.

Sristi Sejuti Halder is a rising junior at Beloit College. She is from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is double majoring in quantitative economics and data science. She is deeply involved in campus life, serving as the president of Raas – Beloit Dance Collective, and holding executive positions in both the Asia Pacific Student Association and Women in Economics and Business. Outside of academics and student organizations, Sristi is a skilled classical dancer and singer. She is enthusiastic about exploring the intersection of economics and data science to address real-world challenges, particularly in the realms of economic development and sustainability. Sristi is excited to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and engage with experts in the field of environmental and developmental economics.

Kiana Haynes is a rising sophomore at Wellesley College, where she is pursuing a major in economics. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Kiana is actively engaged on campus and has been selected to serve as a residential assistant during the 2024-2025 academic year. She is a member of the Pre-Law Society, The Women’s Network, Book Club, Women in Business, Wellesley PLUS, as well as Wellesley College’s Literary Society Zeta Alpha. Additionally, Kiana contributes to the College Government as Housing Counsel and Hall Senator. Beyond her academic pursuits and campus involvement, Kiana enjoys reading, writing, and crocheting, as well as dedicating her time to community service projects that promote college access opportunities. She loves to travel, meet new people, and spend time with family and friends. Kiana eagerly anticipates the invaluable knowledge, connections, and friendships that she will cultivate during her EDE summer experience.

Zifan Huang, a rising sophomore at Boston University, is pursuing a BA in economics with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. As a research assistant in the department of economics at Boston University, Zifan has contributed to data research on urban development in São Paulo. He grew up in a background where feminine power can significantly influence economic decisions, driving Zifan’s interest in gender studies within economic frameworks. Utilizing data from the World Bank, he has completed independent research on female labor participation and entrepreneurship. As the youngest member of Young Sustainable Impact China, Zifan has demonstrated his commitment to sustainability, authoring gender-related articles and enhancing cross-cultural communication. This role, coupled with an internship at Verité, where Zifan developed tools to assess forced labor in Chinese factories, showcases his dedication to applying economic analysis to address social issues. Zifan’s passion for labor economics, economic history, and development economics drives a deep commitment to addressing complex financial issues. Zifan is eager to engage with the diverse perspectives and opportunities offered by the EDE program.

Samuel Huh is a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California, pursuing a major in economics and a minor in urban sustainable planning. He is actively involved in the Global Investment Society at USC and is learning risk management as a part of Gamma Iota Sigma. Additionally, Samuel is an avid golfer and loves eating exotic food. Samuel’s interest in economics primarily involves its ability to provide a framework for analyzing and interpreting the systems of individual consumer behavior to global markets. He finds economics an appealing field of study to tackle pressing issues such as inequality, environmental sustainability, and more efficient urban areas. He is looking forward to gaining a broader understanding of economic theory and meeting peers and mentors who are passionate about economics.

Celia Hurtado is a rising junior at California State University, Sacramento, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Celia is a part of the Sacramento State women’s rowing team. She enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and loves crafting. Celia looks forward to networking with students and researchers from across the country and learning more about monetary policy.

Paul Jacob is a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago, planning to study economics and data science. He is a current member of the Business Organization for Latino Development, a networking and skill-building program for various business career pathways. Paul also serves in the internal cabinet of Pi Kappa Alpha, where he plays an active role in planning community-building events. He enjoys playing basketball, weightlifting, chess, and watching good movies. He is looking forward to connecting with peers interested in the study of economics and learning new insights from experienced professionals in the field.

Coco Jia is a rising sophomore at Brandeis University, where she plans to study Economics and Art History. Coco co-founded her non-profit conducting reproductive education in Zimbabwe. She is also an avid museum lover and enjoys finding unexpected connections between art history and economics. She recently read a paper on the connection between the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan Van Eyck and the ethics of late medieval merchant capitalism. She chose this field of study because her experience founding her non-profit made her realize the significant influence of economics policy on all fields. She is looking forward to meeting like-minded peers who want to use economics for good and learning about international economic policies that affects transnational non-profit and museum work.

Na’Imah Johnson is currently a rising sophomore at Spelman College. She is an Ethel Waddell Githii Honors student, majoring in Economics and minoring in Sociology. She is currently involved with the BLISS mentorship program, where she acts as a mentor to young girls at the Boys & Girls Club in the metro Atlanta area. Na’imah is a passionate learner, dedicated to broadening her exposure and knowledge of different fields. She is highly motivated to pursue her interest in economics and is looking forward to networking with students across the country.

Yasmin Kerikar is a rising senior at Franklin & Marshall College with a double major in business and film. Yasmin is currently a Free The Facts Ambassador, Posse New York Scholar, and Enrich Scholar. She loves watching and analyzing films, as well as creating them. She cannot pass a cat on the street without saying ‘Hello’. She is looking forward to networking with researchers and students, and enriching summer experiences in Chicago.

Helen Lallos-Harrell is a rising sophomore at American University (AU). She is currently studying legal studies and political science. Helen writes for several student publications, including the pre-law review and investigative journalism magazine. She also works on the Undergraduate Council for AU’s School of Public Affairs as a programming fellow. Outside of school, Helen loves hiking, thrifting, and visiting cafés. She is thrilled to be a part of the 2024 EDE cohort and is looking forward to meeting and forming connections with fellow students.

Karina Lamadrid Benavides is a rising junior at Centre College planning to study business management and Spanish. Karina currently serves as a legal assistant for a local law firm in Danville, Kentucky. She enjoys arts and crafts and loves traveling. She is looking forward to getting to know her cohort and building new relationships.

Danielle Nartey is a rising junior at Macalester College. She plans to study economics and political science. Danielle currently serves as the Event Coordinator for the African student organization and is a mentor that helps high school students navigate the college application process. She is also a ballet dancer and a drummer as part of the African Music Ensemble. She is looking forward to networking with different professors and students as well as broadening her understanding of economic theory.

Champion Ojo is a rising junior at Morgan State University, where he is pursuing a BA in economics with a minor in finance. He is very active on campus, serving as the Sophomore Class Senator and Head of Senate in the Student Government Association, a Teaching Assistant for the Economics Student Success Program, and  a  Pearson Campus Ambassador. Champion is also a member of the Clara I. Adams Honors College and is an active participant in the Investment Club. Beyond academics, he is an avid football fan who supports the Baltimore Ravens, and enjoys playing football, baking, spending time with family, and working out. Champion is passionate about economic analysis and finance, and is eager to gain practical experience through EDE. He looks forward to networking with researchers and students from across the country during the summer.

Joseph Pasato is a rising sophomore at the University of Virginia. He plans to study economics with concentrations in financial economics and French. He is an editor for the Oculus Research Journal, a multidisciplinary research journal at UVA. He is also a member of the Sales and Trading Group at McIntire, gaining practical experience by analyzing financial trends. Through immersive experiences and hands-on simulations, Joseph hopes to learn more about how to apply financial models and mathematical analyses to real-world scenarios. Joseph enjoys cardio and weightlifting, as well as going on hikes, exploring caves, and mountain biking every weekend through the Outdoors Club. During EDE, Joseph hopes to connect with other students across the country who share a similar passion for economics and hopes to deepen his understanding of econometrics and using economics as a framework for understanding real-world phenomena.

Yamira Patterson is a rising junior at Wellesley College. She is an Economics and Education Studies double major who is passionate about the economics of education as well as education policy analysis. Yamira is currently a Residential Advisor and Research Assistant. She will also serve as an Academic Success Coach and Student Representative on the Committee on Curriculum and Academic Policy at Wellesley College. She is looking forward to networking with other students and researchers at the Institute.

Robert Pearson is a rising sophomore at Bellarmine University. He plans to study economics and data science with a minor in math. He is currently involved in the Bonner Leader Program and serves on the leadership team and works with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. He is looking forward to learning more about the application of economics and meeting other students.

Acadia (Cate) Pesner is a rising sophomore at Pomona College in Southern California studying economics and art history. Acadia developed an interest in economics while working in rural Maine, where she observed fluctuations in the fish market. Notably, she saw how the surplus of lobster, high gas prices, and shrinking demand for the expensive plate affected her fisherman friends and family. As a result, she seeks to better understand economics to help individuals. Acadia works as an Associate Consultant at Pomona Consulting Group, a campus organization dedicated to finding creative solutions for businesses to thrive. She enjoys creative work and is an employee at the Benton Museum of Art. She also serves on the Judicial Board of Pomona College, where she determines consequences for disciplinary violations and edits the official code. Primarily, she has been working to reform the section on free speech. Acadia runs in her free time, and she enjoys spending time with her family in Maryland. She also paints landscapes and portraits of her favorite places and people. Acadia is looking forward to gaining exposure to different career paths related to economics, connecting with other students with similar interests, and exploring econometrics.

Swastika Pokhrel is a rising sophomore at Pennsylvania State University, planning on studying either economics or finance. Swastika currently serves as the treasurer for the Student Government Association. She is also an after-school tutor where she leads 15 students and collaborates with other tutors. She is looking forward to meeting the other EDE participants from across the country and all of the faculty members who made this opportunity possible.

Abby Radisky is a rising junior at Stetson University. She is pursuing a double major in marketing and digital arts with an interest in economics. At school, she is part of Stetson’s Honors Program. Raised in Florida, she enjoys hiking, camping, surfing, and hunting for shark teeth. With four years of experience as a summer camp counselor and two years working as a photographer, she is passionate about capturing meaningful moments. She is looking forward to meeting fellow students and learning more about economics.

Hermogenes David is a rising sophomore at Macalester College hailing from Bolivia. He is passionate about studying economics and politics, and currently serves in Academic Year Fundraising at Macalester. He loves playing volleyball, ping-pong, and ice skating. During the EDE program, Hermogenes aims to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering connections to enrich the diversity of economic thought.

Frida Salgado is a rising junior at the University of Michigan. She plans to study economics and Latina studies. Frida is working on a research project based out of Mexico City, focusing on gender perspectives on water insecurity. She also loves to listen to new music while going on long walks. She eagerly anticipates immersing himself in the company of fellow students from various corners of the country while also seeking opportunities to connect and network with esteemed researchers.

Shambhavi Sinha is a rising sophomore at Duke University. Interested in computer science, economics, mathematics, and physics, Shambhavi is deeply involved in interdisciplinary research. She is currently studying the carbon footprint impact of interstellar travel at Duke. Intrigued by the underlying systems of various societal issues, she travels the country as a member of the Away Team in the Duke International Relations Association, and is an editor for Borderless, Duke’s premier International Relations publication. She is currently helping organize the 8th edition of the Duke Enviro-Art Gallery and is exploring technology spheres in the DTech program. It is not uncommon to find Shambhavi photographing birds, analyzing obscure cinema, or reading a variety of prose at any time. She is extremely excited by the prospect of meeting new people and widening her horizons at EDE.

Zina Shimov is a rising junior at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is studying economics and plans on continuing to graduate school. Zina currently serves on the leadership board of the Chabad at Georgia Tech and is an alumna of the Nick Mamalakis Emerging Leaders Program. She loves traveling and hopes to visit every continent. Growing up in a mix of cultures has shaped her perspective on global financial inequality and fueled her interest in information about why some countries prosper at the same time as others war. Her passion is to understand how to achieve economic equality and what makes a country wealthy or poor. She looks forward to EDE to gain the skills to learn more about her interests.

Coby Tan is a rising sophomore at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. He plans to study economics and mathematics with a minor in statistics. Coby is an avid gamer and is currently a member of the Gaming and ESports Club. He plans to be an Odyssey Program Mentor at the end of the summer. He is looking forward to participating in the EDE program and networking with students, researchers and faculty from other institutions.

Jayda Taylor is a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago planning to study economics. Jayda is currently a news reporter for the student newspaper, researcher for Oeconomica economic society, manager of the Community Service Fund, member of BlackGen Capital investment fund, and a part of the Black Student Fellowship. She is also passionate about playing piano, running, and reading. Jayda is looking forward to meeting students from across the country, networking with researchers, and sharpening her analytical and reasoning skills.

DeVon Thompson is a rising sophomore at Columbia University, majoring in economics and political science on the pre-law track. He is part of the Kluge Scholars in the Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program and is on the Board of Directors of the non-profit The Remedy Project, helping provide legal assistance to incarcerated people. DeVon also edits for the Civil Rights section of the Black Pre-Law Society. He is a running back on Columbia’s Division I football team. He enjoys basketball, loves music, and has a fondness for animals. DeVon looks forward to learning from renowned researchers and meeting new people as well as to engaging with like-minded peers and faculty and delving deeper into the intersections of economics, policy, and social justice.

Maurquez Thompson is a rising sophomore at Stanford University. He plans to major in political science with a minor in economics. Maurquez is a member of the Golf Club, Real Estate Club, BSU, RUF, and Christian Union. Maurquez volunteers at DreamCatchers, an organization committed to tutoring underserved youth. Maurquez enjoys hiking, eating spicy food, traveling, and watching Netflix. He is looking forward to meeting other students from around the country and learning from researchers.

Farrukh Tojiev is a rising sophomore at Beloit College. He is majoring in quantitative economics and minoring in finance. Farrukh currently serves on the executive committee for the Funding Board as a board member, is a member of the Investment Club, is a marketing research and project assistant in the Department of Economics & Business, and is a consumer goods market research intern at Stojo. He regularly trains for calisthenics and favors cats. He is eager to grow his network, get to know other students and collaborate closely with researchers and speakers.

Benny Torres, a rising sophomore at Texas A&M University, is pursuing a degree in finance with a minor in economics and a certificate in corporate banking. He brings firsthand experience from his time as a realtor last semester, fueling his passion for real estate alongside his academic pursuits in finance. Beyond academics, Benny dedicates time to philanthropic efforts benefiting the Bryan-College Station area. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new music and watching soccer games. Benny looks forward to attending EDE to deepen his understanding of economics and collaborate with peers on innovative solutions to global challenges.

Melina Valencia is a rising junior at College of the Holy Cross. She is studying economics and is interested in minoring in religious studies and computer science. Melina believes EDE will help her recognize what economics can truly become. She loves to spend her time gathering with close friends and playing games. Melina is excited to absorb new knowledge and meet with students and faculty that enjoy similar economic interests.

Satya Vangoor is a rising junior at George Washington University. She is studying economics and criminal justice. Satya serves as the Co-Director of Finance for Allied in Pride and as a Content Specialist for TEDxFoggyBottom. She enjoys trying new coffee shops and watching TV with her roommates. She looks forward to meeting other students with shared interests and learning about economics from new perspectives.

Evan White is a rising sophomore at Tuskegee University. She is currently a supply chain management major with an interest in minoring in economics. Evan currently serves as a campus ambassador for the Tuskegee Collegiate Chapter of the Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program. She loves hanging out with friends, watching movies, shopping, and trying new things. She is very excited to be a part of EDE and is looking forward to meeting new people and gaining new skills and perspectives.