Fall 2018 Newsletter

Welcome to the fall 2018 Economics Department newsletter! This quarter’s edition is filled with information for prospective and continuing students, faculty, and all others interested in the people, programs, and research that makes UC Santa Cruz a great place to study economics. For further information, please feel free to visit the Economics Department in Engineering 2, room 401, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and 1:00-3:00 p.m. We’re already excited for what next quarter will bring. Go Slugs! 

— Your Fall 2018 Peer Advisors

Letter from the chair 
New faculty members 
New student worker
UCDC program
Undergraduate awards
Field study
UCSC exchange program
Junior transfers
Events
Peer advising
Did you know about the food pantries?
T-shirts
Summer courses 

A Letter From the Chair Kenneth Kletzer

Welcome to the Economics Department at UC Santa Cruz. Our department houses some of the most popular undergraduate majors on campus and several exciting programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Every year nearly 400 students graduate with a major in economics, business management economics, global economics, or economics and mathematics. In addition, we offer a combined major in economics and environmental studies with the Environmental Studies Department. Our Ph.D. program has achieved a level of recognized excellence over the years and continues to grow and develop into new areas of frontier research in economics. Our M.S. program in applied economics and finance draws a large number of talented students from around the world to prepare for professional careers in the private and public sectors. These programs are a tremendous success, attracting and graduating outstanding students from around the globe.

This is yet another eventful year for our department. We welcomed two new faculty members in September and are recruiting for two more new professors this year. Laura Giuliano is a prominent labor economist and joined our department as a professor. Laura teaches Labor Economics, Econ 180, this year and applied microeconomics in the Ph.D. program. Brenda Samaniego de la Parra joined the department as an assistant professor following completion of her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. Brenda is a labor and macroeconomist doing research on the frontier of using microeconomic labor market data to inform macroeconomic modelling and policy. She teaches Econometrics, Econ 113, both winter and spring quarters this year and applied macroeconomics in the Ph.D. program.  Please continue reading about Laura and Brenda, further down in the newsletter under "new faculty members".

The Economics Department staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Please take advantage of the outstanding resources in room 401, Engineering 2. Our undergraduate advisors are Lisa Morgan and Inga Tromba, who simply know everything you need to know (and more!) to get through the major. We also have a fabulous group of enthusiastic peer advisors to help you out. Sandra Reebie advises for our M.S. and Ph.D. students, and she always has an open door, ready to answer questions. Susan Leach, our department manager, and Leigh Faulk, our department assistant, keep the whole place running.

There are several student organizations associated with economics here at UCSC. The UCSC Accounting Association provides members with opportunities to explore the real world applications of their undergraduate accounting courses. Delta Sigma Pi is a national professional fraternity for men and women that offers professional development opportunities and student networking. Gesher Group is an undergraduate student business organization that gives members hands-on experience in consulting, sales and marketing. The Slug Fund Investment Group brings together students interested in managing an investment portfolio. Please check out these great opportunities to join a group of enthusiastic and supportive peers.

Our university, our campus, and our department will always be a welcoming and supportive home for all students of any background or experience. We are committed to supporting every member of our community, embrace diversity, and oppose intolerance in all its forms. We look forward to you joining our community.

New Faculty Members Within the Department

Laura Giuliano

Laura Giuliano joined our department as a professor and researcher this past summer.  Her focus is in labor economics, education, public policy, and applied economics. She received her masters of international relations at the UC Berkeley. Laura has a breadth of teaching experience, having taught at the University of Miami for 12 years.  She shortly worked at the University of Virginia, before taking a break from education to work on the Council of Economic Advisers at the White House under the Obama administration.  She returned to teaching shortly after, moving out to California to teach at UC Merced. During her first year there, she was extremely thrilled to hear of a position opening up here at the UC Santa Cruz.  Laura was drawn to Santa Cruz because it has everything - nice places to go, the outdoors, and colleagues who value each other’s opinions. She came to Santa Cruz in search of more policy-driven research not offered by other schools. While Laura loves teaching undergraduates, she is also excited to teach graduate students because it is different from what she has done in the past.

Brenda Samaniego de la Parra

Brenda Samaniego de la Parra joined our department as an assistant professor this past summer and was born and raised in Mexico. She specializes in applied macroeconomics with research that focuses on labor and firm dynamics and development economics. Following her education, Brenda began her career at the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (National Banking and Securities Commission) as a special projects director and later as a consultant. Brenda went on to earn her Ph.D. in economics from The University of Chicago in 2017. While completing her Ph.D., she had the opportunity to get involved with teaching by becoming a teaching assistant (TA) for the university. Teaching became an ideal career path as it was both rewarding and fun, as she’s able to share cool and interesting topics with other people. Along with teaching, Brenda enjoys doing research.  She is inspired by the fact that it could possibly have an impact on public policy. Brenda was drawn to UC Santa Cruz by its admirable Economics Department, which offers diversity in both research and people, along with the wonderful location that is Santa Cruz. As a new member of UC Santa Cruz, Brenda is excited to interact with students and faculty associated with economics and other departments. Even more so, she is extremely ecstatic to start teaching! For both winter and spring of 2019, undergraduate students can look to enroll in Econ 113, Introduction to Econometrics, with her and graduate students can look to enroll in Econ 221C, Macroeconomics Theory and Methods (spring only).

New Student Worker

Jaqueline Martinez

We were excited to welcome our new student worker, Jacqueline Martinez, who joined the team in late spring. When asked about the job, she stated, “This is my first year in the Economics Department and I'm definitely enjoying every second of it! I'm a second year business management economics major and currently working on creating my own app. I also play on the UC Santa Cruz’s women's rugby team. When I'm not studying or getting tackled to the ground, you can find me at the beach, painting, recording music, or singing along at the Catalyst!”

UCDC Program

UCDC is a program located in Washington DC. Any student of junior or senior standing and certain sophomores (do not have to be an economics major) are eligible to participate in this program. Students take classes and have the opportunity to intern at an agency site in DC, while still remaining a fully enrolled UC Santa Cruz student. The application period normally runs from October through March.

What Students Have said About UCDC:

Matthias Boehm attended the UCDC program in spring 2018.  He is a fourth year business management economics student. Matthias first heard of the UCDC program from the emails sent by the Economics Department advisors.  He spoke to a friend who had attended the UCDC program and he highly recommended Matthias attend. Matthias received an internship opportunity working in the Office of Financial Program Operation as a business analyst.  He learned a lot on the use of data visualization softwares, such as Tableau and Infopath. In addition, Matthias shared that life in Washington D.C. is totally different from student life at UC Santa Cruz. Matthias stated, “You will experience the real working environment firsthand and I will definitely recommend UCSC students to attend this program”.

Undergraduate Awards in Global Economics

We are pleased to announce the hardworking undergraduate global economics majors who were recognized and earned awards for their academic achievements this quarter. These awards are made possible by the generosity of many donors and bring effusive joy to the recipients! We are grateful for their philanthropy and support of economics at UC Santa Cruz! (Additional information about donating can be found here.)

Economics Department Award in Global Economics

 
Sarah Adler

Economics Department Education Abroad Fellowship for Global Economics Majors

 
Rex Bauer

Economics Department Award in Global Economics

 
Laniah Lewis

Thank You for Sponsoring Field Study

Field study is offered every quarter to provide students the opportunity to earn academic credit while working in the local community, Economics 193 or elsewhere, Economics 198.  They also earn credit for the PR-S general education requirement. Students are responsible for finding their own internship, where they can work in a professional business setting and learn valuable skills in an area of interest. This allows students to work hands-on with the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom. There is a two-unit, five-unit, and 10-unit option for field study. Each student is sponsored by an economics faculty member who provides support and guidance.  

This fall quarter there were 17 companies that sponsored economics students for our field study program:

Thank you to all the companies who have supported our students and have allowed this program to be a success.  For more information, please refer to the Economics Field Study Program on our website.

UCSC Exchange Program - Autonomous University of Barcelona

Located in Spain, the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is an institution known for its excellent research and teaching. Unlike UCEAP, this direct exchange program through the UC Santa Cruz Economics Department offers the opportunity for students to enroll in three courses that will fulfill economics major requirements and one course outside of economics. Students must take a total of four courses and will receive transfer credit for all courses. Along with enrolling in courses, students may enjoy the renowned architecture, food, and art. This program is open to students who are economics majors in junior or senior class standing and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above. Students must also be in good academic standing and 18 years of age or older at the time of departure to Barcelona. Economics courses at UAB may also be taken in Spanish if students have completed two years of university-level Spanish with a minimum GPA of 2.85 in those language courses.

Calling All Junior Transfers!

Feeling overwhelmed, don't know what to do or where to go? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I was in your shoes just last fall. My name is Martín Barajas and I am a peer advisor for the Economics Department majoring in business management economics with an emphasis in accounting. I transferred to UC Santa Cruz from my local community college fall of 2017. I know transferring from a community college to the UC system can be very overwhelming. You don't really know where things are, you don't know the difference between your college advisor from your major advisor, or what classes to take.  That is totally normal! I am here to give you some advice. As a junior transfer you definitely want to come in to the Economics Department and start getting to know your advisors, as well as your peer advisors. While there, develop your schedule for the rest of your time here at UCSC. Also, look into any upcoming workshops or events that the Economics Department is hosting, as well as some of the business organizations, clubs, and social groups here on campus. It's a great way to meet fellow classmates and to gain information about internships and jobs. Lastly, get to know your professors in office hours.  It can help you gain information on research and internship opportunities as well as also lead to a strong recommendation letter. These are just a few tips to help make your transition a little smoother. If you have any additional questions or just want to talk, just come into the Economics Department and ask for Martín. I’d love to sit down and talk more about my experiences.

Events

Graduate School Planning & Applications Panel:

This fall quarter I, Martín Barajas, a peer advisor, attended the Economics Department's graduate school planning and applications panel event. Attending this event helped me key in on important tips I can use to prepare myself when it comes to applying to graduate school.  To start, I must do well in my classes so that I may have a competitive GPA. When I apply to schools, I should apply broadly, because you never know where you’ll be accepted.  Once accepted, don’t be afraid to try new and different opportunities. Additionally, it was emphasized in the meeting to be sure to connect with your professors. This can help with obtaining an amazing recommendation letter if asked.  I would definitely recommend attending the next event!

Upcoming Events in the Winter and Spring (Advance Registration Required for Most Events):

Government & Nonprofit Job & Internship Fair (sponsored by the Career Center)
1/23/2019 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Location TBD

Accounting Careers Path Presentation                                                                             
1/30/2019 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Engineering 2, Simularium Room

UC Davis MPAc Presentation                                                                                                 
2/4/2019 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m., Engineering 2, room 499

Winter Quarterly Faculty & Undergraduate Colloquium: Guest Speakers: Nirvikar Singh and Chenyue Hu                    
2/20/2019 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Engineering 2, room 499

Lunch & Economics Career Exploration Event                                                        
2/22/2019 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., Engineering 2, room 499

Lunch & Economics Career Exploration Event                                                           
3/1/2019 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., Engineering 2, room 499

Spring Job & Internship Fair (Sponsored by the Career Center)
4/17/2019 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., West Field House

Spring Quarterly Faculty & Undergraduate Colloquium
5/10/2019 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m., Engineering 2, room 499

College Commencement Dates:
6/14/2019 - 6/16/2019

Why Peer Advise?

This winter and spring quarters we are looking for a few new peer advisors! You can find more information about our program and the application here.  This is why you should apply:

“Peer advising has given me a hands-on experience to develop valuable skills, while allowing me to help others.  It also keeps me up-to-date on all the opportunities the Economics Department offers”.
-Danielle Kirkpatrick, B.A. in environmental studies and economics

“I love working with people; especially students who may have the same questions I do about schedules and classes. Peer advising has allowed me to share my knowledge with other students like myself, while constantly learning new things about the Economics Department”.
-Courtney McBride, B.A. in economics and B.A. in psychology  

“I didn't choose peer advising, peer advising chose me. I was drawn to know what I could do to be more connected with the Economics Department and sought out to be more ready for my future.  The advisors were extremely helpful in giving guidance for my field of study. In turn, I wanted to help others with similar questions and concerns that I had. Peer advising helped me learn so much of what the department can offer and it motivates me to help students to be more connected with the department’s quirks”.    
-Lai Wong, B.A. in economics and mathematics

If you'd like to read additional peer advisor testimonials, please click here.

Did You Know About the Food Pantries?

Our campus offers free food to students!  Food pantries have been opening up all over campus.  They are open to ALL not just those with financial aid or work study!  Pantry workers encourage you to bring your own grocery bags and want you to remember it is completely anonymous; no one needs to know you went there and you can go as often as you would like. These pantries provide canned food, veggies, fruits, rice, pasta, bread (along with jam and peanut butter options), and sometimes ready to eat food such as sushi.They also hold cooking classes and offer students help with Cal Fresh Applications. You can access all food pantry and cooking class locations and hours here or the UCSC Food for All Facebook group.  

Food Pantry Locations and Open Hours:

Academic Resource Center (ARC) center: Weekdays, 9-5 p.m., fresh deliveries on WedStudent Uninon
Assembly (SUA) Food Pantry & Lounge (OPERS): Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cantu Queer Center Food Pantry (Behind Merrill): Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cowell Basic Needs Cafe (Attached to the Cowell Food Pantry): Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat, 12 noon-5 p.m.
Cowell Food Pantry: Tu-Th, 3-7 p.m., Sat, 1-5 p.m.
Ethnic Resource Center (ERC) Snack Pantry (Above the Bookstore): Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stevenson Food Pantry: Tu, Wed, Th, Sat, 3-7 p.m.

On Campus Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Retailers:

Banana Joe’s: Mon-Th, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kresge Natural Foods Co-op: Weekdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Produce Pop-Up: (Quarry Plaza) Mon, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., (Rachel Carson College Quad) Th, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
UCSC Farm Stand: Tu & Fri, 12 noon-6 p.m.

Economics T-Shirts

Stop by the advising office to pick up a t-shirt for yourself, or as a holiday gift! They are available for purchase at only $10 a shirt.

Summer Economics Courses

Enrolling in summer courses gives you an opportunity to take much smaller classes than in the academic year, it helps you get prerequisites and major requirements out of the way, and gives you a great excuse to spend the summer in the woods! Enrollment begins May 1st at summer.ucsc.edu.

Summer Session 1 (June 24 - July 26)
Econ 1 Introduction to Microeconomics {PE-H/IS}
Econ 10A Economics of Accounting I (online)
Econ 100A-01 Intermediate Microeconomics
Econ 101 Managerial Economics
Econ 113-01 Introduction to Econometrics {SR/Q}
Econ 125 Economic History of the U.S.
Econ 136 Business Strategy
Econ 197-01 Economic Rhetoric {DC}

Summer Session 2 (July 29 - August 30)
Econ 2 Introduction to Macroeconomics {PE-H,IS}
Econ 10B Economics of Accounting II (online)
Econ 11B Math Methods for Economists II {MF}
Econ 100A-02 Intermediate Microeconomics
Econ 100B Intermediate Macroeconomics
Econ 133 Security Markets & Financial Institutions (online)
Econ 161A Marketing
Econ 197-02 Economic Rhetoric {DC}

Stay Connected

Undergraduate students, please join our LinkedIn Group:  UC Economics

Master's students, please join our LinkedIn Group:  UCSC M.S. in Applied Economics and Finance

Doctorate students, please join our LinkedIn Group:  UCSC Economics Ph.D. Program

Alumni and students, please join the Career Advice Network (CAN) for free career advice.

Visit our Economics Department Calendar for upcoming events.

List of Classes for Winter Quarter