Research Opportunities

Students at Augsburg have the opportunity to conduct economic research. The Capstone course (ECO 490) introduces students to econometric theory and the process of economic analysis.  Many Augsburg students have presented at conferences such as the MidWest Economics Association Conference, Posters on the Hill – Washington D.C., and the National Conferences for Undergraduate Research (NCUR).

In addition, students can conduct collaborative research with faculty as a research assistant. This allows for students to try out research for the first time or focus on a specific aspect of a research project. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO) provides funding for both academic year research grants and summer research assistantships.  See the URGO Research site for additional details.

Economics students are front and center

Stella Hofrenning’s Research Methods in Econometrics course not only introduces Economics students to the process of solving economic problems, it also provides them the invaluable opportunity to present their research and findings to a national audience and to connect with peers from around the country.

For the past several years, numerous students of Hofrenning have represented Augsburg at the National Conferences for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity done in partnership with faculty and mentors and is a great way for students to learn more about research methods, graduate school and employment opportunities in their areas. It’s also a great way to hone presentation skills.

In fall 2010, economics students Greg Kugler, Bryan Anderson, and Nathaniel Schenheit traveled to the National Council on Undergraduate Research conference in Ithaca, New York, and presented their research.

Professor Hofrenning reports:  “The experience of working on a research project and presenting the research at a conference motivates students to learn by doing. My research students learn to apply the economic theory in class by working with data and developing models for analysis. Having been accepted to present at a conference also helps students build their analytical and communicative skills as well as their confidence speaking in front of a group.”

Joel Huting, Brianna Noland and Ugaso SheikAbdi at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR 2013) at the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.

Nathaniel Schenheit, Gregory Kugler, and Bryan Anderson, Prof. Hofrenning at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR – 2011) at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY.

D. Stephen Drott, Caroline Bredal, Christopher Purcell and Khalid Adam at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR-2010) at the University of Montana, Missoula, MT.