USD student receives top honors for university honors thesis
"Everyone who saw (the presentation) was very impressed," noted Scott Drewianka from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in announcing Doshier as the competition’s winner. "Not many undergraduates can combine deft handling of economic theory with meticulous data collection, careful empirical analysis, and a clear discussion of the implications for economic theory and public policy."
Doshier was one of 16 undergraduates presenting papers during the annual meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rapid City, S.D., native presented her senior university honors thesis that broke down the cost European Union consumers have been forced to bear to protect the dairy industry. During an opportunity to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, Doshier noticed a discrepancy in milk prices – almost twice the price consumers pay in the United States. After further study, Doshier determined through her research that every consumer in Europe is spending $81 annually to assist the dairy industry.
"I discovered that about 13 percent of the population is somewhat related to the dairy industry," noted Doshier, who spent more than 25 hours week on her thesis from January until March. "The European Union is also one of the world’s largest exporters of butter and cheese products."
Doshier, who will graduate from USD in May, has been working part-time for the South Dakota Investment Council while also going to school full-time. Accompanied to the Midwest Economics Association annual meeting by David Carr, assistant professor of economics at USD, Doshier’s trip to Cleveland was made possible by the Beacom Opportunity Fund of the Beacom School of Business. The Beacom Opportunity Fund provides the resources for initiatives that promote the Beacom School of Business's students and programs.