Hannah Case '20 received a fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) to continue to her research in economics.
Why did you choose to apply for this award?
I applied for this award after several mentors, including a few Oxy Professors, suggested that I apply.
Briefly describe the work you will be doing on your fellowship.
I will be doing a PhD in economics at Chicago Booth where I plan to study topics related to labor economics and consumer finance.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as a fellow?
I'm excited to dive more into theory and eventually start working on my own research projects.
How have your experiences at Oxy prepared you to apply for this award?
At Oxy, I developed a strong research background through projects such as analyzing the effect of information about climate change on dietary habits while working with Professor Jalil, and examining the relationship between small class sizes and student effort scores in math classes for my honors thesis. These early research experiences honed my skills and interests in applying economic analysis to real-world issues around education and opportunity. My Oxy education also provided me with technical training in economics, math, and data analysis that laid the groundwork for more advanced research.
Moreover, Oxy instilled in me a commitment to mentorship and community-building. My professors mentored me beyond the classroom, helping me to get to where I am today. This inspired my later efforts at the Federal Reserve and UC Berkeley to create supportive networks, resources, and opportunities for other students and researchers. Since the NSF cares about broader impacts, my track record of facilitating mentorship and community aligns well with the fellowship's values. My experiences at Oxy prepared me to highlight these impactful activities in my application.
What advice would you give future applicants about the application process?
For the personal history statement, be honest about your journey and where you're headed. There were points in my application that I felt like were weak. However, when I sat down to write my personal history statement, I described why I got interested in research and why I have put my energy towards making the field more inclusive. I shared those values and sentiments in my statement, and based on the reviews I received, it resonated with my reviewers.
For the research proposal, take time to think about how your project relates to the broader impacts that NSF lays out on their website. Try pitching your research project to your friends, family, and anyone else who will listen, especially if they're not in your field. They can sometimes help you gauge whether you can convincingly tell a story about why your research project will have broader impacts.
Lastly, reach out to previous alumni who have won, including myself, and ask if they're willing to talk with you and share their material. In my experience, Oxy alumni are friendly and very willing to support each other.