Tyler Laferriere

I am still debating whether to pursue PhD studies after earning my master's degrees or to go directly into the job market. The dream would be to earn a joint PhD and JD in economics and law to continue my abiding interest in policy work with regard to economics. In terms of post-education goals, I hope to work in investment and development banking either for a private institution or for the Federal Reserve, World Bank or International Monetary Fund. In the distant future, I hope to find a career in public service and politics, specifically but not limited to the U.S. Senate, the Cabinet or even the Presidency. Without being too cheeky, I think far too many lawyers and career politicians find themselves in policy work and not enough economists, businesspeople and veterans of the military and private industry.

Applied economics, research economics, statistics and statistical analysis. My personal favorite fields of study include political economy, policy economics, international finance, banking, capital flows, trade economics, tax economics and economic law. So far, I am pursuing two master's degrees, one in applied economics and one in statistics. At present I am pondering future PhD work in economics, political economy and potentially a joint PhD and JD in economics and law. So far I have been involved in two research projects. The first is a life cycle analysis of softwood based biofuels. The production of these biofuels is based in biomimicry of termites, and ongoing research of this process is being undertaken by the Washington State University department of bioengineering. The second project is an analysis of partner accommodation programs at universities and their ability to increase the penetration of females into agricultural economics programs.

I am an avid reader and news junkie. More often than not I spend my spare time reading the New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera or the Guardian (in no particular order). I have two books going at present: the Wisdom of Richard Hooker and A Humane Economy by Wilhelm Ropke. Though I find orthodox economic thought compelling, I enjoy considering the perspectives of heterodox economic thinkers. I am in fact currently in the process of writing my own work of political economy entitled "Toward a New Commonwealth." At present, it is my current reflection and interpretation of current economic and political trends and where I think these trends can and should go. I am something of an armchair theologian, and enjoy having debates with my friends and acquaintances about theology, economics, politics, law and social justice. I also am an avid student of history and love indulging in alternative history novels and fictions. I am a fan of both science fiction and fantasy, am a rabid devotee of Tolkien and definitely prefer Star Wars to Star Trek. I also regularly attend religious services and events at my church, St. James Episcopal, and regularly volunteer my time there.