Recent News
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
On November 21, the UW Department of Economics hosted its quarterly Paul Heyne Seminar in honor of Paul T. Heyne, a devoted educator who championed undergraduate learning. This seminar featured Dr. Ali Karimirad, who presented his research on how limited liability in trade credit transactions can affect market efficiency in multi-sector input-output economies. As Dr. Karimirad explains, “When firms can default on their trade credit obligations due to limited liability, it creates a moral hazard… Read more
Through the UW Department of Economics, students have the flexibility to explore a variety of exchange and faculty-led options, ranging from quarter-long programs to shorter intensive experiences during breaks. Coursework completed abroad can often count toward the Economics major or minor requirements, enabling students to stay on track academically while broadening their horizons.
The Department collaborates closely with the UW Study Abroad office to support students in selecting the right… Read more
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jackson Bunting as a new faculty member in the Department of Economics. Get to know Dr. Bunting through his bio and Q&A below.
Bio
Dr. Jackson Bunting is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Washington. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University and a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honors in Economics from the University of Melbourne. His research spans theoretical econometrics, panel data analysis, and… Read more
The Department of Economics is thrilled to welcome Dr. Jason Kerwin, who will be joining us in Fall 2024 as a new faculty member. We encourage you to learn more about Dr. Kerwin through his bio and Q&A below and be sure to greet him with a warm welcome when you see him on campus!
Bio
Jason Kerwin currently a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and a Brimmer Distinguished Scholar at the University of Washington, an Affiliated Professor at J-PAL, and a Research Fellow… Read more
The Department of Economics is excited to welcome Dr. Ali Karimirad, who will be joining us in Fall 2024 as a new Faculty member. We invite you to get to know him through his bio and Q&A below and warmly welcome him when you see him on campus!
Bio
Dr. Ali Karimirad joins the University of Washington's Department of Economics with a fresh perspective on macroeconomic and financial economics. Having recently completed his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia, Ali's… Read more
We are excited to welcome three new hires to the Department of Economics. Jason Kerwin, currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Economics and a McKnight Land-Grant Professor at the University of Minnesota. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Michigan. Jackson Bunting is coming on board from Texas A & M University where he is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University.… Read more
Timila Kulkarni, an undergraduate student in the UW Department of Economics and the recipient of the Stephen and Michelle Turnovsky Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year, has been recognized for her research on Seattle's Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) program. Established in 2021, the Turnovsky Scholarship supports undergraduate honors students by helping to pay tuition and other expenses, enabling them to focus on their academic and research endeavors.
Timila's research,… 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