Project Abstract
How can we improve the diversity of the student body in Economics at Northwestern? To this date, Economics remains a popular choice but fails to mirror the diversity of the overall undergraduate population. While initiatives can focus on different dimensions, this proposal addresses the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and race. Understanding why underrepresented minorities (URMs) decide not to study Economics remains an unsolved problem. Using evidence-based interventions to foster diversity and retention of URMs, I plan to rigorously evaluate the impact of an information provision treatment with incoming students.
Investigator
Sara Hernández-Saborit
I hold a PhD in Economics from MIT, specializing in the fields of development and labor economics, with a marked gender component. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms that propel females into the labor force and what the consequences are of doing so for individuals, households, and, by extension, their communities. My work has focused on the interaction between international trade and living standards, including violence, education, and fertility.
My research spans diverse regions, including Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, and India, reflecting my commitment to understanding global perspectives on gender and development. Currently, I’m engaged in several randomized control trials in Puerto Rico about workforce development programs and education. Working in diverse has honed my ability to adapt and tailor interventions to address specific gender-related challenges. At Northwestern, I have developed a class on the Economics of Gender, which equips students with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the intersectional dynamics of gender within economic systems.