
Econ Research
Very busy researchers
Have you ever wondered what people on the other side of the globe think about the topic of climate change? Or maybe questioned why gas costs more in one city than it does just a few miles away? Or wondered what it would cost a school to start up a free snack program to help increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for kids?
Well, Blugolds have wondered these things, and many more. In fact, economics majors at UW-Eau Claire, along with their faculty, are some of the busiest collaborative researchers on campus.
UW-Eau Claire has earned a national reputation to add to long-standing state distinction as the UW-System Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, and the economics department is a big part of this recognition with faculty mentoring students every semester — some as many as 15 students at once — to say there are many opportunities for undergraduate research is a bit of an understatement. Collaborative research is one of the hallmarks of the department.
There are so many opportunities to do research in a variety of subjects and there is something for every student.
International researchers
Economics student research teams have travelled internationally with faculty on a wide range of projects over the last several years. The International Fellows Program has sponsored 6 specific projects, and the program uniquely combines intercultural immersion and student-faculty collaborative research to create an undergraduate experience that sets students apart in undergrad research. Where have they gone, you ask?
- Nicaragua 2012
- China 2013,'15,'17
- Germany 2014
- Vietnam 2015
Presenting far and wide
Our students have the unique opportunity, as undergraduates, to present their research projects at conferences throughout the state and often nationally as well. Each year the opportunities vary, but the following list are typical conferences and symposia that Blugolds are able to experience:
- The Wisconsin Economics Association
- Posters in the Rotunda, annual student research celebration in Madison
- Bard College Conference on Asia and the Environment
- The Midwest Economics Association
- UW System Symposium on Undergraduate Research
- Wisconsin Lakes Conference
- National Council on Undergraduate Research
- Celebration of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity (CERCA)

29th Annual CERCA
Virtual Posters Presentations, Films, Displays, and Performances of student scholarly work.
Check it OutWater Matters
Through student-faculty research, one professor and his students are helping the community by researching the correlation of water clarity and lakefront property values.
Learn MoreResearch Connections
A collaborative student-faculty research team in the economics department has been conducting research into the correlation between property values and improved water quality in areas lakes.
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Economics Students Featured in the Local News
UW- Eau Claire students studied the shopping habits of Wisconsin grocery store consumers. They looked at the differences in spending habits among those who use a SNAP card and those who do not. They then compared this data to the national averages.
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