Undergraduate Research Lab

Since Spring 2024, I have been one of the graduate supervisors of the Undergraduate–Graduate Economic Research Lab at UC San Diego. Each quarter, I select a group of undergraduate students majoring in economics, math, computer science, or data science from a competitive applicant pool to work with me on my research projects in experimental and behavioral economics. In return, students receive hands-on training in research methods, coding, data analysis, and generation of research ideas.
The lab meets weekly and operates in small teams organized by skill track (usually Python or Stata). Students contribute to ongoing research by helping with coding experimental interfaces, running study sessions, cleaning and analyzing data, and conducting literature reviews. Many students stay for multiple quarters or even years, building deeper expertise over time.
37
students mentored
2.5
years running
15+
recommendation letters
10
current students

Mentorship and Outcomes

A core part of the lab experience is professional development. I work closely with students on their graduate school applications, personal statements, and career planning. I have written recommendation letters for over 15 students — for master's programs, research internships, university awards, and scholarships.
Lab alumni have been admitted to competitive programs including Columbia University (MS in Business Analytics, MS in Financial Economics), University of Southern California, Southern Methodist University, UC Irvine (MSBA), international data science research programs, and actuarial science programs, among others.
Lab meeting with students working on laptops
Undergraduate Research Lab group photo
Lab students presenting research
Interested in joining? Applications open at the beginning of each quarter. See the program page for details.