Teaching and Educational Methods

Undergraduate Research Opportunities in an Applied Economics Program: Expanding Pathways for Economics Majors (and Beyond) at Land-Grant HBCUs

Huan Li(a), Lyubov Kurkalova(a), Scott Simkins(a) and Shona Morgan(a)
(a)North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

JEL Codes: JEL Codes: A22, I23, J24
Keywords: Applied economics, HBCU, in-class and out-of-class pathways, undergraduate research, UREs

Publish Date: November 20, 2024

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Abstract

This article describes an intentionally designed two-pathway (in-class and out-of-class) framework for undergraduate students to gain research opportunities and analytical skills in an applied undergraduate economics degree program located in the Deese College of Business and Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), a high research activity Historically Black College and University (HBCU), 1890 land-grant university. This framework is being expanded across the Deese College, building on the success of past undergraduate research activities in the economics department. We summarize the design and pilot implementation of this framework that scaffolds hands-on research experiences and practical research skill development over multiple years, involving multiple stakeholders. The framework seeks to increase the number of underrepresented students engaged in applied research experiences and prepare students for a future that encompasses graduate studies and research-based employment.

About the Authors: Huan Li is an Assistant Professor of Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Corresponding Author Email: hli1@ncat.edu). Lyubov Kurkalova is a Professor of Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Scott Simkins is a Associate Professor of Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Shona Morgan is a Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Acknowledgments: Research reported in this paper was supported by the National Science Foundation under Awards Number 2200648 and 1719498, Looking Forward program between UNC-Chapel Hill and NC A&T State University (Fund Number 136069), and the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative Competitive Program of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, grant number 2021-67021-34152, and the Department of Energy Award Number DE-FE0032483. Disclaimer: This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by agencies of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

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