Shining a light on our new LED team
With a new academic year getting underway, now is a good time to meet the Laurier Economic Department’s academic team. This group of faculty members provides valuable leadership and service in support of our economics programs, students, and faculty. Each team member was asked to share a brief overview of their administrative role, what they are looking forward to this term, and a useful tip for students. And for fun, each member provided a picture from their summer activities. These are featured in a picture collage below!
From Department Chair, Christine Neill
Being Chair of the Economics Department means a lot of meetings on a lot of different things, working out what courses to offer and who can teach them, and (probably everyone’s least favourite thing) dealing with academic misconduct cases.
What am I most looking forward to this term? Cricket! Sorry to everyone who’s heard this many times before: https://students.wlu.ca/programs/lazaridis-school/economics/news/2024/summer/pitch-perfect-get-set-for-the-2nd-annual-led-cricket-match.html. Thanks to all who joined in. I look forward to seeing you next time around.
My tip for students is to take classes you are interested in – that way you’re more likely to put in the work and learn things, which is after all the point of being at university. Economics research suggests that learning things is what matters to getting a good job and income after university, not just having a degree to show off. Also, tax policy is way more interesting than it sounds. My picture shows me (and others) swimming in the Adriatic. I managed quite a bit of swimming there and in various other places over the summer - the Laurier pool, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron and the Ottawa River. There’s a bit more outdoor swim season left yet, I’m hoping.
From Associate Chair, Edda Claus
As Associate Chair, I have a number of administrative responsibilities. I lead the Department’s Assurance of Learning (AOL) process, am working on developing and extending the Department’s file management/data repository and I act as a link between the Department and the Lazaridis Faculty Research Steering Committee. I also chair the Economics Student Awards Committee (so much fun!). And last but not least, I act as Chair in the absence of the Chair (cue here Montgomery Burns).
I am looking forward to meeting my EC285 students and convincing them that statistics is super cool. I am excited to read the awesome papers of EC481 in December. And, I’m looking forward to catching up with friends in economics, business and maths.
My tip? A bit of stress is good to get work done, too much stress is bad for your health, and gives you wrinkles. My picture is of beautiful Inverness, Scotland where I spent some of my time this summer.
From
Graduate Program Director, Christos Shiamptanis
As Director of our Master’s of Arts in Business Economics (MABE) Program, my key responsibilities include organizing orientation, advising students, assigning graduate teaching assistantships, and supervising graduate student admissions.
What am I most looking forward to… the students’ “aha!” moments when they realize the value of using economic models.
Being a graduate student can be demanding. One tip I recommend is to maintain a healthy school-life balance. Familiarize yourself with the resources available for mental health, stress management and academic support. I was teaching this summer so I included a picture from last summer: Jet skiing (with my son) in Santorini, Greece.
From Undergraduate Program Director, Ken Jackson
I am the Undergraduate Program Director for Economics, which mostly means that I work with the academic advisors to help students manage their way through the program, and work with the Economics faculty to ensure that our programs are leading students to outcomes that we want.
I am looking forward to getting started teaching again this year - this Fall that is Sports Economics and the Economic Policy course in the Masters in International Public Policy program. Beyond that, I am excited to get back to working with students - things like playing golf with Sport Management Laurier, or coaching the new Laurier Water Polo Club.
My main tip for students is to show up and try things. Show up to class, but also to events on campus - even events that you aren't sure you will enjoy. University should be fun, and you need to push outside your comfort zone sometimes.
My summer included a trip to the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, and some time at the beach with the dogs.
From LCERPA Director, Jeff Chan
As LCERPA Director, I oversee the running of our in-house research centre, the Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis. In this role, I disburse seed funding for our faculty to start up new research projects and help organize our annual marquee event, Economic Outlook.
With the term starting, I am most looking forward to working with the rest of the directors and leadership in the department and the Lazaridis School. I'm also very excited to put together Economic Outlook 2025, so stay tuned for more news on that front later this term!
One tip for students is to enjoy the process, and to broaden your horizons while you have the opportunity. University is a stressful time for many, but it also presents lots of chances to learn and experience new things. Of course, our department has many super-interesting electives for our students to explore but I would also urge people to look beyond to satisfy their curiosity, whether it's to learn a new language, explore an interest in film, pick up new skills in GIS or statistics, or participate in one of the many clubs or sports available at Laurier; who knows, something you check out in your undergrad could end up being a lifelong hobby! My picture features LCERPA, since some of my summer was spent settling into the role of Director.