Senior Thesis Presentations 2026
The Department of Economics gathered on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, for the Senior Thesis Presentations, held in the Reese Room at Smith House, where faculty, students, and guests came together to engage with and reflect on the work of its senior majors. The event was introduced by Professor Carol Clark and concluded with a dinner reception in the Admissions Grand Hall.
As part of the Senior Thesis program, six students presented their research, reflecting a wide range of interests across the field of economics. Ryan Challice, advised by Professor Brianna Halladay, explored how tariff labeling influences consumer preferences between domestic and foreign goods. Ali Gall, under the supervision of Professor Mark Stater, examined the relationship between salary cap concentration and team performance in the National Football League. Nik DeAngelo, also advised by Professor Brianna Halladay, investigated how behavioral factors and institutional values shape career decision-making among economics majors.
Ellery Campbell, working with Professor Brianna Halladay, analyzed how clearer presentation of betting odds and brief pauses may reduce risky sports betting behavior among college-aged individuals. Iqra Athar, advised by Professors Raul Zelada-Aprili and Betül Mutlugün, presented her study on IMF intervention and its implications for Pakistan’s economic stability and long-term development. Finally, James McGarry, under the guidance of Professor Ibrahim Shikaki, examined job quality in Connecticut’s labor market, highlighting the limitations of the unemployment rate as a sole indicator of economic health.
The presentations highlighted themes ranging from behavioral economics and labor markets to international finance and development. The program was followed by a dinner reception, where faculty, students, and guests had the opportunity to continue conversations, exchange ideas, and reflect on the research presented. We congratulate our senior thesis writers on a year of hard work and perseverance, and on seeing their efforts come together in such thoughtful research.
