Josiah Chang

Email: josiah.chang@maine.edu

Program/Department: Economics

Why did you decide to become a GSG senator?: I am committed to fostering a strong and supportive graduate student community. By serving as a GSG senator, I aim to demonstrate leadership guided by values that matter—transparency, truth, care and engagement. I want to ensure that the voices of my peers in the Economics department and beyond are heard and represented effectively.

How would you best serve your constituents?: I will actively engage with my fellow graduate students to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. By keeping them informed about GSG initiatives and policies, I will ensure they have access to available resources and opportunities. Additionally, I will advocate for their interests by presenting well-researched recommendations to the GSG, contributing to meaningful policy discussions and decisions.

Please tell us about your research or some fun facts about you: I conduct research within the School of Economics’ Market Integration Research Lab (MIRL), where I focus on macroeconomic trends and policies. My goal is to generate insights that can contribute to economic stability and growth, particularly in areas related to market dynamics, financial spillovers, and economic resilience. In addition to my research, I am a Sector Head in the Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY), where I analyze financial markets and help guide investment decisions. Outside of academics, I enjoy snowboarding, golf, and basketball.

How do you plan on communicating with your constituents?: I will use a combination of email and direct, informal conversations to ensure open lines of communication. I believe word-of-mouth discussions are an effective way to foster engagement and encourage participation. Additionally, I will be accessible to address any concerns and provide updates on relevant GSG matters.