As Juniors in the Economics Department begin working on their Junior Independent Work, the Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies hosted the 7th annual Junior Independent Work (JIW) Research Forum, a space for current seniors to present their JIW journey and academic experiences. 

Five students from the class of 2026, Karina Z. Li, Amy Z. Liu, Oren M. Swagel, Grace Wang, and Annie Xu, were selected to present their outstanding research and academic advice to the junior class, broadening the horizons of potential research areas and methodologies. Focus areas ranged from private health insurance to regional bank deregulation, and the juniors were acquainted with various sources of data and models for their junior papers.

The speakers’ topics and paper titles were as follows:

• Karina Z. Li: The Impact of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis on Private Health Insurance Enrollment for Middle-Income and High-Income Families
• Amy Z. Liu: The Effects of Mid-Sized Bank Deregulation on Risk Profiles Around Regulatory Thresholds
• Oren M. Swagel: Unintended Consequences: The Mental Health Effects of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Emergency Allotment Discontinuation
• Grace Wang: Effects of Opioid Epidemic Exposure on Educational Attainment
• Annie Xu: Political Uncertainty and Options-Implied Risks: Evidence from U.S. Federal Elections

Following their presentations, the Q&A session allowed juniors to seek guidance on specific aspects of their JIW process. View the recording of the forum to learn more about the research presented: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Scw7AH8bc&t=1s