Discover a vibrant community where economic curiosity thrives through events, research, and collaboration. The Rice Economic Forum connects driven students with faculty, professionals, and peers, fostering meaningful dialogue and opportunities that inspire growth, innovation, and lasting engagement.
students, faculty, alumni, community, inquiry, research, and dialogue.
students, faculty, alumni, community, inquiry, research, and dialogue.
About the REF
The Rice Economic Forum (REF) is a student organization focused on fostering interest and engagement in economics through a wide range of academic and professional activities. The club creates opportunities for students to explore economic topics by organizing events, facilitating discussions, and supporting research initiatives. Members are invited to participate in workshops, speaker series, and networking events that connect them with professionals, alumni, and peers who share similar interests. The Forum also promotes undergraduate and graduate research in economics, commerce, and trade, and works to build partnerships with organizations both within and beyond the university to support student development. Through these efforts, the club aims to cultivate a vibrant community where students can deepen their understanding of economics and build lasting connections.
Meet the Executive Council
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Gustavo Vives
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Daiwei Wang
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Nathan Shoenthal
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Elise Trenk
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Chloe Lee
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Ayham Al-Ghoul
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Afif Chamseddine
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Dr. Jimmy DeNicco
Meet the Board of Directors
Nicholas Zdeblick
Nicholas Zdeblick is a seasoned investment analyst whose leadership, sector expertise, and industry experience shape research across technology, communications, and finance while supporting key academic and community initiatives.
Dr. Peter Hartley
Dr. Peter R. Hartley is a leading energy economist whose academic, government, and advisory work spans electricity reform, global energy markets, financial economics, and decades of influential research.
Dr. Amelie Carlton
Dr, Amelie Carlton is an award‑winning economics professor whose teaching, industry experience, and research in macroeconomics, energy markets, and financial dynamics shape her impact on students and the broader academic community.
Dr. Michael Maher
Dr. Michael D. Maher is an energy policy expert whose leadership, research coordination, industry experience, and extensive public engagement shape major initiatives in natural gas, LNG, and U.S. energy strategy.
Contact Us
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