MSU Economics announces 2026 senior award winners

Edwin A. and Eleanor B. Carlin Award 

This award is presented to students with a major in economics who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. In selecting the recipient(s), the Department of Economics considers overall grade-point average, grade-point average in economics classes, and the nature of the student's economics program. 

Elizabeth Allard is a recipient of the Carlin Award. During her time at MSU, she was a member of the Economics Scholars Program, a Department of Economics undergraduate assistant for four semesters and a Department of Computer Science and Engineering learning assistant for two semesters. She participated in the Department of Economics Study Abroad Program in London and assisted in conducting interviews for the Economics undergraduate assistantship position working with a PhD student. She received the Education Abroad Academic Excellence Scholarship, eight semesters of the Dean‘s List recognition, the MSU Board of Trustees 4.0 recognition and she was featured as the Department of Economics Undergraduate Feature of the Month in January 2025.

“One of my highlights as an economics major at MSU was studying abroad in London,” Elizabeth said. “It was an unforgettable experience to take economics courses while exploring a new city and building friendships with fellow economics majors.” 

After graduating, Elizabeth will join Deloitte as an analyst.  

William Carvalho is a recipient of the Carlin Award and the Outstanding Senior Award. During his time at MSU, William was Math Club vice president, a member of the Econ Scholars and the College of Natural Science Student Advisory Council, and he participated in the Summer Topology Program. Additionally, William participated in summer research experiences in financial mathematics and machine learning. He received the James P. Conlon Endowed Mathematics Scholarship and earned 3rd place in the Herzog Math Competition his first year.  

“I am grateful for the advice and support I got from many people I met here -- including other students, faculty and counselors. I have also enjoyed the connections and friendships I’ve made here with other students,” he said. 

After graduating, William will begin his Economics Ph.D. at MSU.  

Thomás Feldmann Tonelli is a recipient of the Carlin Award. During his time at MSU, he was an undergraduate assistant for EC 201 and 202, a research assistant for the Department of Political Science, speaker for the 2024 College Fed Challenge, the Economics Club internal outreach chair and the Brazilian Students Association treasurer. Additionally, he was an Econ Scholar and a Political Science Scholar, and he received the International Tuition Grant. 

Thomás will be applying for Ph.D. programs in Fall 2026 before he graduates in December, and he hopes to begin his Ph.D. program in Fall 2027. 

“One aspect I’ve really appreciated about the economics major is how broad the field is,” he reflected. “It gave me the chance to explore different areas, from theory to data analysis to policy, and that helped me better understand which questions and topics I’m most drawn to. Because of that, I feel more confident about the path I’m taking and have been able to shape my experience as an economics student around the goals I want to pursue.” 

Larona Sedimo is a recipient of the Carlin Award. During her time at MSU, she was an undergraduate assistant in the department of economics, a student research assistant with University Advancement, a spin instructor at IM West, and a Spartan leader for New Student Orientation. She was a member of the Econ Scholars Program and the Honors College, and she earned recognition on the Dean’s List.  

“My highlight as an economics major has been the realization of how broad and versatile the field of economics is,” she said. “Learning the theory and then seeing how it actually plays out in the real world has made it even more interesting, engaging, and sometimes a reminder that the real world doesn't always follow the model.” 

After graduation, Larona plans to pursue a master’s degree in financial economics to further develop her quantitative and analytical skills. She aims to build a career in financial analysis or risk management, using data-driven insights to support informed decision-making. 

Cassidy Yoder is a recipient of the Carlin Award. During her time at MSU, she was president and captain of the MSU Women’s Club Lacrosse Team, treasurer of Women and Minorities in Economics Club, MSU tour guide and professorial research assistant for two years. She was a member of the Econ Scholars, received recognition on the Dean’s List (seven semesters) and the Board of Trustees 4.0 Honor Award, and she was also nominated for the Student Leadership Excellence Award. 

“A major highlight of being an economics major has been the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the Economics department faculty. I have been able to work closely with two professors on research, which has given me hands-on experience applying economics concepts beyond the classroom. Additionally, having a faculty mentor through the Econ Scholars Program has been incredibly valuable, both academically and professionally." 

After graduation, Cassidy will work full time for Cisco Systems as a financial analyst in their Leaders in Finance Technology program.  

Charles "Lash" Larrowe and Walter Adams Award   

This award honors former MSU Economics professors Charles P. “Lash” Larrowe and Walter Adams. Recipients of this award are recognized for exceptional accomplishments in the classroom or in mentored scholarship or research activities. 

Ben Gunther is the recipient of the Larrowe and Adams Award. During his time at MSU, he was a research assistant and worked in the Human Rights Lab for James Madison College, was a legislative intern for the Michigan House of Representatives, and he participated in the Economics of Public Policy and International Relations education abroad programs in England and Belgium, respectively. He was a member of the Honors College and the Econ Scholars Program.  

“One highlight of being an economics major has been the wide range of networking opportunities and events that exposed me to different career paths and showed how alumni have applied their degree after graduation,” he said.

After he graduates, Ben plans to pursue a career in political and economic policy analysis, with aspirations toward graduate study.  

George F. McGregor Scholarship 

This award is presented to undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in economics. 

Dhimaan Bhattacharya is a recipient of the McGregor Scholarship. During his time at MSU, he was a data science intern at Delta Dental of Michigan, a research assistant with Dr. Johannes Bauer at Quello Center and with Dr. Barnwal’s at the Department of Economics. He was also an undergraduate learning assistant for EC 201 and 202 with Dr. Ackermann. Dhimaan received the Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative Grant ($2,000), Dean’s List recognition, and contributed to a published policy report on SSRN: “The State of BEAD: Assessing Progress Toward Universal Broadband Connectivity;” and he presented his research poster at UURAF 2025 about how COVID-19 affected household consumption in India. 

“One highlight of being an economics major has been realizing how broadly applicable it is; one can approach any issue, from healthcare to finance, through an economic lens,” he said. “I appreciate how my degree helped me connect theory to real-world insights." 

Dhimaan plans to deepen his research experience through predoctoral/RA positions before applying to PhD programs in economics. 

Jogi Katende is a recipient of the McGregor Scholarship. During his time at MSU, he was a member of the 2025 Homecoming Court, a resident assistant for the Collegiate Recovery Community, an undergraduate learning assistant, a student ambassador, a member of the Uganda National Olympic Taekwondo Team and a student ambassador. He was a member of the Econ Scholars and Broad Champion programs, and he received the International Student Grant ($25,000), the Cole Excellence Award ($5,000), and the Resident Assistant Exemplary Leader designation. 

After he graduates, Jogi will begin his M.A. in economics in fall 2026 at Columbia University in New York City with a $72,000 fellowship.  

Meital Lurie is also a recipient of the McGregor Scholarship. During her time at MSU, she was the president of Women and Minorities in Economics (2023-2025), professorial assistant for Professor Hanzhe Zhang, participant in the Economics of Public Policy Education Abroad program, the Department of Economics social media intern, and an undergraduate assistant for EC 202. She received the Provost's Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) Grant in 2023 and 2024, she was an Ed Levy Jr. and Linda Dresner Levy Hebrew Scholar and a Wolpin Endowed Scholar, and an Econ Scholar. She also received the Board of Trustees 4.0 designation.  

“One of my highlights of being an Economics major would have to be participating in the Economics of Public Policy study abroad program,” Meital said. “I enjoyed taking part in this program and being able to meet other Economics majors. It was a great experience to take my education to London and learn with some of my favorite professors in the department!” 

After graduating from Michigan State University, Meital will be joining Meijer’s corporate office as a business analyst trainee. 

Scarlett Savage is a recipient of the McGregor Scholarship. During her time at MSU, she was a member of the Econ Scholars, the VIM Finance Team and the London Study Abroad Program. She also earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester of her academic career. 

“The biggest highlight of being an econ major has been learning from the faculty,” Scarlett said. “Every professor I've had has brought a real enthusiasm for economics into the classroom, and that passion is what inspires students.” 

After she graduates this summer, she will work for Hylant as a captive consulting intern out of their Ann Arbor office. 

Congratulations 

“We are extremely proud of our seniors and their accomplishments,” said Professor Scott Imberman, chair of the Department of Economics. “We have no doubt that they will take their economics training into their future endeavors as leaders and citizens. Congratulations to all of our senior award winners – we're rooting for you as you take your next steps into your careers or graduate studies.”

To learn more about the MSU Department of Economics, visit