Q: What initially drew you to study economics at Rice?
A: My path to economics was somewhat accidental, as I took ECON 100 to fulfill an elective requirement for my Computational and Applied Mathematics degree. I was highly drawn to mathematics but not to applying it through the traditional engineering lens, and economics opened my eyes to the possibility of using quantitative analysis to better understand the forces that shape society. The infectious enthusiasm of the faculty at Rice played a central role in that discovery. Their unwavering curiosity, commitment to teaching, and conviction in their research were deeply motivating and inspired me to pursue the subject more seriously. Ultimately, I landed on Mathematical Economic Analysis, which provided the quantitative rigor I enjoyed while offering a framework for exploring human decision-making, public policy, and social justice.
Q: What do you remember most about your experience in the economics program?
A: What I remember most about the economics program was the combination of academic rigor and personal connection. A majority of my classes had fewer than fifteen students, which created an environment where professors knew every student by name and were always willing to invest time in our success. Because the major track and many of the core courses are shared across concentrations, students form a close-knit community that progresses together over all four years. Most of all, it was the faculty who made the experience, and professors like Dr. Amelie Carlton remain role models whose influence shapes how I approach my career today.
Q: What skills or ways of thinking did you develop through studying economics that you still use in your career today?
A: The most valuable skill I developed through studying economics was the ability to think critically and holistically about tradeoffs and make sound decisions in the face of uncertainty. In renewable energy business development, my work is highly exposed to legislative changes and financial market volatility. My current role requires me to regularly evaluate investment opportunities and assess portfolio risks as market conditions shift, with the goal of maximizing shareholder value. Although I am not an economist by title, these responsibilities draw heavily on the analytical framework and toolbox I developed as an economics student.
Q: Was there something you learned at Rice Economics that set you apart and gave you a distinct “edge” in the workforce?
A: While the quantitative rigor of the program is invaluable and provides a strong foundation, I believe the greatest advantage Rice Economics gave me was a mindset rather than a technical skill. The faculty held us to exceptionally high standards, encouraging us to dig deeper, ask hard questions, and approach problems with intellectual curiosity. That experience instilled a level of independence, attention to detail, and ownership that has served me well in my career thus far. Early in my professional journey, I was entrusted with complex work because I had been trained to question assumptions and pursue answers beyond the obvious.
Q: What do you think an economics education gives students that they might not get elsewhere?
A: Economics encourages students to look beyond what is happening and ask why it is happening, who is affected, and what incentives are driving the outcome. Many disciplines are primarily technical or primarily social, whereas economics challenges students to understand both while using data to elucidate how they interact. It teaches students to evaluate tradeoffs and unintended consequences objectively while remaining grounded in empirical evidence. As a result, graduates develop the ability to navigate complex problems with analytical rigor while maintaining a deeper understanding of the people and institutions involved.
Q: What unique opportunities did you take advantage of as a Rice economics student in the School of Social Sciences?
A: One of the unique opportunities I pursued through the School of Social Sciences was the Finance & Banking Practicum. Through this program, I completed an internship with Clovis Point Capital, a private equity firm focused on SaaS investments, during my senior year. The program brought our cohort to New York City to connect with Rice alumni across a variety of leading financial institutions, which provided valuable insights into different career paths and industries. Equally important was the mentorship I received from the instructor, Dr. Julio Cacho-Diaz, whose experience as an investment professional helped bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications.
Q: If you could go back and give your Rice self one piece of advice about preparing for a career, what would it be?
A: If I could give my Rice self one piece of career advice, it would be to focus less on chasing titles and accolades and more on the impact you desire to have. Early on, it is easy to become preoccupied with the next achievement or the title you want to see on your business card, but those things are rarely what create long-term fulfillment. I have found it far more rewarding and expansive to work on problems that genuinely excite me alongside people whose mission I believe in. When you focus on meaningful work that aligns with your purpose, you don’t need to rely on titles to maximize your utility.