February 27-28, four Elon students presented their research at a national economics conference in New York City.
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Four Elon University students presented their research at a national conference in New York City on Feb. 27–28, gaining hands-on experience in academic research and professional networking. They presented research on sporting mega events, private equity in healthcare, declining labor rates of young men and survival rate in proximity to mining.
The conference, sponsored by Issues in Political Economy, is an annual undergraduate research event that allows students to present their work while also serving as session chairs and discussants. The conference featured 46 presenters from 18 colleges and universities
The students were joined by Steve DeLoach, professor of economics, and Devon Hawkins, assistant teaching professor of economics.
“Presenting at the Issues in Political Economy Conference in New York City pushes students to use economics, not just learn it,” said Hawkins. “It is also a strong way we champion our students by giving them a real platform to share their ideas, build confidence, and see that their work can contribute to conversations in policy and business.”
Elon Students Research
Jay Cornell ’26
Major: Economics
Hometown: Baltimore
Research mentor: Katy Rouse
Abstract: Private equity involvement in the U.S. healthcare industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, drawing public concern over the quality of care provided by private equity-owned hospitals. This study examines whether private equity ownership can be associated with differences in 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, pneumonia and overall hospital mortality.
Quinn Faller ’26
Majors: Economics and Psychology
Hometown: Wilmington, Del.
Research Mentor: Steve DeLoach
Abstract: There has been a recent trend in the reduction of labor force participation by young males. This study explores the possibility that the decline in hours worked may be partially explained by the popularity of video games as a form of entertainment, especially marketed to young men.
Sara Fritz ’26
Majors: International and Global Studies
Hometown: West Hartford, Conn.
Research mentor: Brooks Depro
Abstract: Mining has long been associated with environmental pollution, ecological degradation, and adverse health outcomes in nearby populations. This study addresses whether proximity to the Yanacocha Mine, located in the province of Cajamarca, Peru, negatively affects child survival rates in surrounding communities.
Jin Kobes ’26
Majors: Economics and Political Science
Hometown: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Research mentor: Olivia Healy
Abstract: Sporting mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics attract large audiences but provide minimal economic benefits to host countries. This study examines Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, Russia’s 2018 World Cup, and Japan’s 2020 Summer Olympics, focusing on the concept of sportwashing, which is the use of sports to improve tarnished international reputations.