Alumni

Recent Alumni News

The Jeff and Perri Roe Term Fellowship for Graduate Students continues to provide invaluable support to third-year PhD candidates in the Department of Economics, enabling them to focus on innovative research. England Can (2024) highlighted how the fellowship allowed him to conduct early-stage research in Southeast Asia, which "blossomed into a broader research agenda that will form core pieces of my doctoral dissertation." Sangwoo Park (2024) noted that the fellowship will "significantly… Read more
The UW Department of Economics is pleased to announce that the 2025 Milliman Lecture will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. We are honored to welcome Professor James Robinson from the University of Chicago as this year’s keynote speaker. Professor Robinson, the 2024 Nobel Laureate, is renowned for his groundbreaking research on political and economic development. The lecture will offer valuable insights into his latest work and its global impact. Stay tuned for more details on… Read more
The UW Department of Economics is proud to continue our thriving ECON Mentorship Program, connecting 60 mentees with 56 mentors for the 2025 academic year. This one-on-one mentorship experience pairs students with experienced alumni and professionals who offer guidance, industry insights, and invaluable support. Established over ten years ago through the generosity of Walt Zabriskie—with assistance from other Visiting Committee members like Gabe Hanzeli—the program is made possible… Read more
At the University of Washington, student-athletes like Ben Shortt, Kieran Joyce, and Ewan Morrow exemplify the powerful synergy between athletics and academics. Ben Shortt, a member of the UW Rowing Team, finds that the perseverance and work ethic developed through rigorous training translate directly to his studies in economics. "Economics isn’t a simple subject," Ben notes, highlighting how his experience on the water helps him tackle complex academic challenges with resilience. Kieran Joyce… Read more
As we enjoy the summer months and reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the profound impact that the University of Washington's Department of Economics has had on my life and career. It's been more than three decades since I walked across the graduation stage, and my journey from a student with a BA in Economics to a seasoned professional has been deeply intertwined with the department. For many of us, our time at UW was transformative—shaping our perspectives, our careers, and our… Read more
On Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, the Department of Economics honored over 200 undergraduate and PhD degree recipients, in a spectacular occasion, at the Husky Union Building Ballroom, at the University of Washington. The festivities were presided over by Chair Eric Zivot, and the Department of Economics Faculty. Many thanks to Brian Langstraat (’90) – recently retired CEO of Parametric – who delivered an inspiring keynote address. Mr. Langstraat was also honored as the Read more
  Mr. Langstraat retired in 2023 as CEO of Parametric, a Seattle-based global quantitative investment management firm and subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Investment Management.  Brian joined Parametric in 1990 and served as CEO from 2001 to the end of 2023 when he transitioned to his current advisory role.  During Brian’s tenure as CEO, Parametric’s Assets under Management (AUM) increased from $2 Billion to $475 Billion across equity, fixed income, and… Read more
The Economics Undergraduate Board (EUB) Mixer, held in the HUB on May 7, 2024, was a resounding success. Over 40 undergraduate economics students attended, engaging with 16 professionals from our alumni and mentor community. The event fostered connections, allowing students to gain insights and advice for their academic and career paths. Participants praised the mixer for its enriching discussions and networking opportunities. 
Washington State recently named Dave Reich as the new Executive Director and Chief Economist for the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. Reich holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington.  Reich was the former Chief Economist for King County and worked previously in the private sector as a consultant. 
Governor Jay Inslee's appointed David Schumacher to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Armed with both bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from the University of Washington, Schumacher's deep academic roots intertwine with his extensive experience in management, budgeting, and public policy, providing a solid foundation for his role. His tenure as the director of Washington's Office of Financial Management, coupled with his prior roles in state service and the private… Read more
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