**New VIP recruiting for Summer 2025 **
What is the ambitious goal of this project?
To develop critical thinking through a rigorous, data-driven framework for analyzing public policies that address environmental, social, and economic issues. By integrating students into the research process, it aims to equip them with the skills necessary to contribute to policy debates. Ultimately, it seeks to produce research that informs effective public policies while empowering students to become impactful policymakers.
Experience Gained
In this VIP, you will:
- Understand key economic models related to market failures, public policy, and economic regulation.
- Gain proficiency in data collection, data management, and statistical analysis.
- Enhance quantitative reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
- Improve academic writing, including literature reviews, research reports, and policy briefs.
- Develop effective communication skills for presenting research findings.
- Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams.
Methodologies and/or Technologies used to achieve project goals
- Coding and coding software
- Qualitative research methods
- Quantitative research methods
- Writing
Preferred Preparation
200: having completed or concurrently enrolled in Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 202) and Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 201).
400: having participated in this project as a VIP 200 student.
Majors or Interests Needed
- Accountancy
- Anthropology
- Bachelor of Applied Science
- Business Graduate Programs
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Environmental Studies Program
- Finance
- Gender Studies
- Global Studies
- History
- Information Technology & Supply Chain Management
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Organizational Performance & Workplace Learning
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychological Sciences
- Sociology
- Urban Studies & Community Development
VIP Coach Information
Dr. Rafael P. Ribas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics. You can email him at rafaelribas@boisestate.edu
Dr. Lee Parton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics. You can email him at leeparton@boisestate.edu
Course Information
VIP 200, VIP 400 or VIP 500
Full semester course. Choose to enroll in 1 or 2 credits.
Team meetings: In-person. Meeting times TBD after students register
Interested in joining this team?
For more information and to request a permission number to register, contact Dr. Rafael Ribas at rafaelribas@boisestate.edu
You can also complete this interest form and someone will contact you. Check out this page for tips on contacting a professor.
To register
To register search by Subject: Vertically Integrated Projects, read the project description to find the right section of VIP 200, 400, or 500. Use permission number, here are instructions Add with a permission number