DTC student Emily Whitehouse has recently returned from an ESRC-funded visit, via the popular Overseas Institution Visit scheme, to the University of California, San Diego. Here she gives a report of her experience.
"I visited the Economics Department at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) for three months between September and December. The PhD Economics programme at UCSD differs from the Nottingham programme in that there is a greater focus on taught courses in the early years of study. As a result, I was able to attend two PhD-level modules in my research area (econometrics) that covered advanced topics not taught back home. I was also encouraged to explore courses of interest in other university departments and consequently sat in on a graduate module in mathematical statistics, which provided a useful mathematical foundation to my research area. Research presentations given by speakers from across the USA took place in a weekly econometrics seminar series held in the department.
My visit to UCSD was hosted by a Professor working in my research area. During the visit, meetings with my host and other UCSD Professors provided a valuable opportunity to discuss my current and future research ideas, as well as the field of econometrics more broadly. UCSD has a strong visiting graduate programme, and so I met many other visiting students from universities across Europe, Asia and Australia. The group of us were able to discuss at length our approaches towards research and teaching, swapping advice and building a global network of contemporaries. Overall, I had a very fruitful and enjoyable three months, for which I am grateful to the ESRC for funding!"
Posted on Monday 21st December 2015