SF State Pre-Doctoral Honorable Mention
Patrick Lapid, Economics graduate student
Patrick is a second-year master's student in economics. Originally from Vallejo, California, he attended U.C. Santa Cruz, graduating in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in sociology. Before pursuing graduate studies in economics, Patrick taught high school mathematics in San Francisco, simultaneously serving with the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 2008, he served a tour of duty in Iraq, and was honorably discharged in 2010 with the rank of Sergeant. As a high school teacher, Patrick had the opportunity to teach an economics elective, which motivated him to pursue his master's degree. During the summer of 2010, Patrick attended the American Economic Association's Summer Training Program at U.C. Santa Barbara, a program designed to prepare students for doctoral study and to increase diversity in the economics profession. Patrick currently works with the Department of Economics as a tutor and lab assistant, helping undergraduates with their coursework. Under the guidance of Dr. Don Mar, Patrick is currently researching the effects of the "Great Recession" on the earnings and employment outcomes of post-9/11 veterans. Patrick is looking forward to starting a Ph.D. program in economics in the fall of 2011, and is interested in pursuing research projects related to mathematics education, defense policy, and financial decision-making. In his free time, Patrick unwinds by reading and watching movies.
Update: In the 2011-12 academic year, Patrick begins his doctoral studies in economics at U.C. Berkeley under a university fellowship. Congratulations Patrick!
