PREDOC.org Research Conference

PREDOC.org Research Conference

On July 31 to August 1, 2025, PREDOC.org co-hosted our third annual Research Conference with the World Bank's Institute for Economic Development (IED-DC) in Washington, D.C. At this conference, students presented their original research in quantitative social science fields to fellow undergraduates, faculty, PhD students, and pre-docs. Professional development panels covered topics from the graduate school experience to career opportunity in the quantitative social sciences. This conference was an excellent opportunity for students who wanted to learn more about a research career, as well as those who were already committed to research and looking to get feedback on their work and expand their networks.

Please see below for a closer look at student experiences. 

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Who Participates?

  • Current undergraduates at a US-accredited institution;
  • Students working on questions that address human behavior, social structures, or societal patterns, and use statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques;
  • Those with projects at least at the preliminary stage that have gone beyond initial analysis, and who have true arguments and conclusions to share at the conference.

2025 Participant Spotlight

Bringing together undergraduates from over 25 U.S. institutions—including Yale University, Spelman College, Soka University of America, Columbia University, and Wellesley College—this year’s student research conference showcased bold, data-driven inquiry into global education equity, economic development, and public policy. From the economic ripple effects of non-flagship universities to the impact of crime on voter turnout, these emerging scholars are tackling real-world questions with rigor and creativity.

Polaroid picture of dark-haired young woman in a red dress sitting in front of a collage of words and photos.

Chayma Charifi

Institution and Major: Bowdoin College; Psychology Major & English Minor
RA/Internship Experience: I've had experience interning at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Bowdoin Department of Psychology, and the University of Michigan's Social Minds Lab.
Research Interests: Social psychology; Decision research; Behavioral Science

"I came into this conference expecting to find it overwhelming as a psychology student in a sea of prospective econ pre-docs. However, I made many new connections that were very rewarding, learned about a potential pre-doc path for myself, and left feeling more confident about my future endeavors."

Chayma Charifi
Picture of smiling, dark-haired young man in a grey dress shirt standing in front of a research poster.

Sungjin (Paul) Lim

Institution and Major: Grinnell College, Economics Major
RA/Internship experience: Business Management internship at SuperBin (a Korean plastic bottle recycling company), Macroeconomics RA for Professor Thu Ha Bui (Grinnell College Economics Department).
Research interests: Economics and law, industrial organization

"It was great to hear and learn from people who have walked down the academic path before me and how they navigated their career. I got a lot of valuable tips and advice on what paths are available for me, and how I could make the most out of them."

Sungjin (Paul) Lim
Picture of young man wearing glasses, a tan sweater with a white blazer underneath, and standing in front of a research poster

Adaye Yvan N'guettia

Institution and Major: Macalester College, Economics and Mathematics Major
RA/Internship experience: Data Analyst, Crime and Education Lab, University of Chicago
Research interests: Development, Behavioral and Experimental Economics

"Through the PREDOC conference, I was able to build a better understanding of what economic research entails. Learn the hard and soft skills needed to be successful in the field and answer the question I care the most about. I left the conference with confidence in what type of economist I want to be."

Adaye Yvan N'guettia