SOE Students Present at the 2021 UMaine Student Research & Creativity Symposium

Multiple SOE students presented at today’s 2021 UMaine Student Research & Creativity Symposium. Both graduate and undergraduate students shared their economics research with the campus community and beyond. For example, SOE undergraduate student William Somes shared his economics research on the household impacts of the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program. William is mentored by Professor Jonathan Rubin. His presentation,  Effects of the Transportation and Climate Initiative on the Maine Economy: An Analysis of Cap-and-Invest and its Heterogeneous Impacts on Rural and Urban Households, addressed a variety of economics and policy issues, including the differential impacts of expected gasoline price increases on urban and rural households. Graduate student Zach Davis shared his research on the migration plans of rural youth. His presentation, Maine’s Rural Youth: Exploring Migration Plans through Place and Community Attachment Theories, emphasized the importance of better understanding the drivers of youth migration to address issues such as rural brain-drain. Zach is working collaboratively with SOE Cooperating Faculty-Member Jessica Leahy and Professor Kathleen Bell on his research exploring the potential significance of environmental place and community attachment to youth migration plans. Graduate student Yelshaday Gebreselassie presented his research on the economic impacts of COVID-19 in Maine. His presentation, The Effects of COVID-19 on Hospitality and Building Supply Sales in Maine, explored the differential impacts of COVID-19 on distinct economic sectors in Maine. Yelsh is working with Professors Todd Gabe and Kathleen Bell on his research of these economic impacts. Graduate student Joey Romich presented his research on maple and honey producers, Social-Ecological Mapping of “Sweet Spots” for Beekeeping and Maple Syrup Producers. Joey is working collaboratively with SOE Cooperating Faculty-Member Jessica Leahy (Professor, School of Forest Resources) , Professor Kathleen Bell, and colleagues to better understand expansion opportunities for small- and mid-sized maple and honey producers in Maine. Congratulations to these SOE students for their research and creativity. They did an excellent job demonstrating the impact of SOE and UMaine research on Maine and beyond.

For more information about the UMaine Student Research & Creativity Symposium, click here.