On June 1, the Department of Economics is hosting the first-of-its-kind pilot program designed to support the advancement of mid-career economists from underrepresented groups.

Organized by Trevon Logan, associate professor, Ohio State Department of Economics, with the support of the American Economic Association (AEA) Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economic Profession (CSMGEP), The Second Wave: A Research Conference, will provide graduate students and junior scholars from underrepresented groups an opportunity to present their work; develop a professional network of mentors, research collaborators and peers; and strategize ways to advance their research agenda while successfully facing the new demands that arise after tenure.

“Ohio State is in the unique position to take the lead on creating new projects designed to increase the number of minority faculty in the field of Economics,” said Joseph E. Steinmetz, executive dean and vice provost of Ohio State’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Professor Logan has been involved with the AEA’s Pipeline Project for over ten years; he is a tireless advocate for the mentoring and advancement of minority economists.”

Over 20 minority faculty and economists from across the country will arrive in Columbus on June 1 to begin the program. Participants will complete an ongoing project in preparation for journal submission, participate in workshops related to research, professionalism, and networking. They will also be paired with senior faculty from Ohio State and around the nation to help begin building a critical professional network and securing advice on their research and on how to set priorities and navigate university politics and processes that affect research and tenure.

“The professional isolation that a minority economist experiences in his or her career is shocking,” said Logan. “There is a sense of urgency to address this problem now.” Logan goes on to explain how “mentoring is much more than reading someone’s research and providing feedback.” “It's seeing where someone is headed before they realize it themselves, and helping them get to their desired destination—to develop as a professional academic, policy analyst, and community leader.”

Ohio State and the broader field of economics will benefit greatly from the success of the program in two important ways: (1) through increasing the likelihood of retention of young minority faculty who help diversify programs; and, (2) by bringing to bear on research and curricula the diverse perspectives of underrepresented groups with new insights on economics.

“I want to commend Trevon Logan and Ohio State’s Department of Economics for hosting the Second Wave conference,” said Marie Mora, professor of economics, University of Texas and 2011 chair, AEA Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession. “It is crucial that these scholars remain actively engaged in the economics profession throughout their entire careers—not just during the tenure-track process.”

“I am truly impressed with the generosity of the scholars who are volunteering their time to come to Ohio State for this program. They don’t have to make time for this but they are -- my hope is that this program will set an example for those who are following us down this path,” said Logan