SURE Program

Summer Undergraduate Research in Economics

The Summer Undergraduate Research in Economics (SURE) Program provides UW undergraduate economics majors direct experiential learning opportunity in economic research under faculty guidance.

The SURE Program’s aim is to facilitate students' achievement of their educational and career goals through a mentored program that develops intellectual capacity and practical skills. The SURE Program will improve a student’s ability to undertake independent research and is committed to achieving three goals:

  • Enrich students’ learning experience
  • Increase the value of their degrees
  • Expand their classroom experiences into the hands-on practice of economic research.

This program will develop innovative professionals that are attractive to future employers and graduate programs. Students will get hands-on experience in how to conduct research in economics You will learn how to design a research question and how to implement a strategy to address the question. You will focus on learning specific research skills and will acquire and improve your knowledge of scientific software. You will acquire a deeper understanding of data collection and data management techniques. Importantly, you will participate in a research project as a member of a research team, and will learn to communicate the results of the research effectively.

Important Dates

Deadline for submissions: March 31st, 2025
Notification of awards: On or before April 15th, 2025

 

How to Apply

Instructions for submitting a proposal may be found below. If you have any questions, please email economics@uwyo.edu.

Submissions will be reviewed individually by the Department Chair, the Department Director of Undergraduate Studies, and a task group of Economics Faculty. The review will be followed by a collaborative discussion of the submissions with an opportunity for revision if necessary. Final decision on the awards will be made by the Department Chair, in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Notice of awards with be provided in writing.

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Past Projects

Evaluating Economic Outcomes: Big Horn Adjudication and Water Use on the Wind River Indian Reservation (link to executive summary). Katie Fisher (supervised by Dr. David Finnoff), 2024.

The Effects of Energy Dependency on Trade (link to executive summary & video). Tristin Waggener (supervised by Dr. Alexandre Skiba), 2022. Supported by a grant from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation.

The Impact of the Wind River Lodge on the Wind River Indian Reservation (link to executive summary). Dawson Kluesner (supervised by Dr. Jason Shogren), 2022.

An Investigation of the Trade Effects of Antidumping and Countervailing on Chinese Exports of Solar Panels to the United States (video). Israel Rosales (supervised by Dr. Alexandre Skiba), 2021. Supported by a grant from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation.

Evaluating the Resource Curse in Oil-Producing Countries (link to executive summary & video). Maeve Knepper (supervised by Dr. Dave Aadland), 2021. 

The Relationship Between Student Personality and College Satisfaction (link to executive summary & video). Collin DePaemelere (supervised by Dr. Linda Thunstrom), 2021. 

Food Insecurity at UW (link to video). Javaun Garcia (supervised by Dr. Klaas Van 't Veld), 2020.

Can Default Nudges and Price Incentives Encourage people to Choose Healthier Drink Options? (link to video). Ikram Lalmi (supervised by Dr. Linda Thunstrom), 2020.

Economic, Environmental, and Regulatory Feasibility of Rare Earth Element Mining in the Powder River Basin (link to poster). Lauren Miller (supervised by Dr. David Finnoff), 2019.

Developing a "Hathaway" for University of Wyoming Graduates (link to poster). Elijah Bryant (supervised by Dr. David Aadland), 2019. 

The Alaska Permanent Fund System of Sovereign Wealth Fund Management. Nathan Brock (supervised by Dr. Jason Shogren), 2018.