Furman Duo Embark on an Economic Odyssey at UChicago

In a world brimming with opportunities and complexities, two bright minds from Furman University, Tunie Ha and Linni Goldsmith, have set out on an enlightening expedition. Their destination: the prestigious University of Chicago Booth School of Business, nestled in the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., at the Brookings Institution. As participants in the Expanding Discovery in Economics+ Summer Institute (EDE+), these students are not merely attending a summer program; they’re embarking on a journey of discovery that promises to unveil new perspectives and ignite passions. According to Furman University, this program is both highly selective and deeply enriching.

A Tale of Two Explorers

Meet Tunie Ha, a mathematics-economics major, and Linni Goldsmith, an accounting major—young aspirants yearning to unravel the depths of economics. For them, the EDE+ program isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s a thrilling ride into the domain of economic thought. With a curriculum tailored to blend rigorous theoretical learning with hands-on research, the program offers them an immersive experience like no other. Ha, eager to connect with like-minded peers and renowned UChicago faculty, expresses anticipation for the research components that tie theory to practical challenges.

Bridging Theory and Real-world Challenges

As they navigate through the virtual classes, join stimulating discussions, and attend engaging lectures, Ha and Goldsmith are part of a cohort of 44 students nationwide. The journey isn’t limited to the digital realm; it further unfolds with trips to the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy in Washington, D.C., and the University of Chicago itself—a blend of academia and adventure. “I’m most looking forward to engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in economics,” Ha shares, echoing the sentiments of many young economists eager to make an impact.

A Culture of Opportunity

Jessica Hennessey, Furman’s dedicated professor of economics, encapsulates the essence of the program’s value: it’s not just about guiding students down a singular path but exposing them to a world of possibilities. She emphasizes that this isn’t merely an academic exercise; it’s a moment to explore, innovate, and engage with the society they aim to serve. “Having two is a testament to the talent of our students and the strength of our learning environment,” says Hennessey.

Final Destination: Application and Presentation

The culmination of this academic pilgrimage is a robust group project where participants utilize learned coding skills, economic theory, and research methods to present innovative findings at a student research conference in Washington, D.C. This experience serves as an intellectual rite of passage, channeling their newfound knowledge into actionable insights.

As the academic tides of summer ebb, Ha and Goldsmith will return to Furman not just as students, but as champions of economic inquiry, ready to blaze new trails and light the way for future explorers. This is more than education—it’s a call to adventure, and they are answering it with passion and promise.