Undergraduate Advisor and Graduate TA Spotlight – Yue Yin
Yue Yin is the Department of Economics Undergraduate Advisor as well as a graduate student studying labor economics, family economics, and health economics. As the Undergraduate Advisor, Yue helps guide economics majors and minors as they complete their degrees. Additionally, you can find her teaching Introduction to Microeconomics (ECO 182) and Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECO 181) during the summer and winter sessions!
Yue Yin
Why did you choose economics? Why did you choose your subfield?
YY: Economics is a charming discipline that shows me how the overall economy behaves, guides me to make rational decisions in my daily life after analyzing the costs and benefits, and motivates me to evaluate public policies and propose practical suggestions to improve human wellbeing.
I am interested in labor economics because I am curious about how individuals’ labor outcomes are affected by different economic conditions and social contexts, and how they make corresponding adjustments in response to the changes in the labor market.
Which class in the major has been your favorite and why?
YY: Labor Economics has been my favorite. This course has given me a thorough introduction to different topics analyzed in the field of labor economics. The course materials present multiple theoretical frameworks that can be utilized to address real world issues, as well as useful strategies for data analysis and program evaluation.
What research are you working on right now?
YY: I am currently doing research on the earnings losses experienced by U.S. displaced workers. It is interesting to find that the long-term recovery potential of post-displacement wages and earnings significantly varies across displaced workers’ demographic characteristics.
Fast Facts
What was your favorite class as an undergrad?
YY: My favorite elective was Western Art Appreciation, through which I learnt to distinguish different genres and periods and appreciate masterpieces of Western art. Visiting museums and art galleries is also one of my favorite hobbies.
What is your top piece of advice for your students?
YY: Open your heart to embrace the big world, and always be curious and brave to explore different possibilities. Don’t let opportunities pass you by due to your hesitation or timidity.
What is one thing that you recommend students do while at UB?
YY: Join Late Night UB: Haunted Union to celebrate Halloween! The Student Union would be decorated and transformed into a haunted house. I still remember everyone waiting in the long line to get inside of the house. The student union was filled with screaming and laughing. Definitely a wonderful experience.