Undergraduate and Graduate Thesis Advising

I’m always looking for students with interesting research ideas. The following information will certainly be useful if you ask me for a thesis advisor.

My Research Fields

If you want to obtain the most amount of knowledge from me, we should share similar research interests. I prefer empirical research and my primary areas of research are machine learning, human capital, education, growth and development, and applied econometrics.

Research Proposal

First, I will evaluate your research proposal. Then, I will decide whether to become your supervisor. Prepare a two-page research proposal. It should include 1) title, 2) research question(s), 3) background, 4) preliminary literature review, 5) methodology (and data), 6) hypotheses, and 7) references. Your proposal should show minimal (possible) contributions to the literature.

I will not supervise students who lack a clear research topic. Occasionally, students ask me if I can recommend a research topic. I am not interested in students who lack original idea.

I’m assuming you’re familiar with core economics courses. I’m not interested in discussing topics that do not include economics or econometrics knowledge.

Tips for Students

I prefer to supervise a student who earned an 85 or better in one of my classes. Even if you have never taken my class, I can support as a supervisor for a student who has performed well in core economics courses.

I especially prefer students who are passionate about attending intensive weekly (or biweekly) meetings. You are not required to be perfect in every meeting. However, you must show marginal improvements.

I take the attitude of the students really seriously. I am not your research assistant, but your supervisor. Some students are confused about our relationship. Never forget that you are the expert on your research topic.

Useful Links

Introduction

How to Succeed in Academia (by Lasse H. Pedersen)

For Writing:

Ph.D. Thesis Research: Where do I Start? (by Don Davis)

Resources for Economists on the Internet (by Bill Goffe)

Writing Tips for Economics Research Papers (by Plamen Nikolov)

How to Write Applied Papers in Economics (by Marc F. Bellemare)

Some Research and Writing Tips (by Ben Jacobsen)

Tips for Econometrics (by Marc F. Bellemare)

The Ten Most Important Rules of Writing Your Job Market Paper (by Claudia Goldin and Lawrence Katz)

The Introduction Formula (by Keith Head)