Austin College and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas collaborate to conduct the largest national undergraduate research conference in economics. The Economics Scholars Program (ESP) conference, which began in 2007, is an opportunity for students to present, evaluate, and analyze research in economics at the undergraduate level. Research topics have covered various subjects including labor economics, foreign direct investments, health economics, business and ethics, women and economics, etc. Papers with different themes—theoretical, analytical, or empirical—have been accepted to the conference. Over the past year, students and faculty mentors from 36 different schools and various states across the nation were in attendance. Since inception, the conference has been hosted at the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Dallas. Honorary guest speakers at the conference have included prestigious economic researchers and policy makers, like the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. In addition to the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research, the conference allows students to network among peers and to build future research and employment connections.
As well as sponsoring the conference in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Austin College is also an active participant. Our commitment and encouragement at the institution for student research and collaborative research efforts between students and professors promote high quality student presentations and involvement at the conference. Students from Austin College have been involved in ESP as presenters, discussants, conference chairs, and members of the peer review board. It is our honor to be involved in ESP, and we are extremely proud to work with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to promote and encourage undergraduate student research.
Upcoming ESP Conference
Annual Undergraduate Research Conference
The 2020 Economics Scholars Program (ESP) conference is fast approaching. The ESP is a collaborative effort between Austin College and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to foster the involvement of undergraduate economics students in all facets of research. Last year, we topped more than 300 student participants and had over 40 presentations!
This year’s conference is scheduled to occur on Friday, March 27, 2020 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (2200 N. Pearl St., Dallas, TX 75201). A welcome reception will take place the prior evening on March 26.
Following are key dates and application requirements:
Wednesday, December 4 - Peer Review Board Deadline
Peer Review Board applicants must submit:
- the online application for peer review
Monday, February 10 - Presentation and Poster Session Proposals Deadline
Presentation Session applicants* must submit:
- the online application for presentation proposals
- a draft of the paper (it does not need to be a final paper)
Poster Session applicants must submit:
- the online application for poster sessions
- no draft of the paper is required
*Any presentation session proposals not accepted to the conference will be automatically considered for a poster session.
Tuesday, February 18 - Discussant and Session Chair Applications Deadline
Discussant and Session Chair applicants must submit:
- the online application for Session Chairs and/or Discussants
We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
For registration, information about the conference, and to access the applications please visit The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Questions can be directed to Ashley Tharayil, Mikidadu Mohammed (Austin College ESP Co-Directors) or Janine Friesen.