The Department of Economics Announces the 2023 Graduate Faculty Awards

The Department of Economics is proud to announce the 2023 Graduate Faculty Awards, voted each year by the current graduate students and announced at the Department of Economics Holiday Party. Charles Hodgson was named “Teacher of the Year” (voted by PhD students from years 1 & 2), and Katja Seim and Fabrizio Zilibotti were named “Advisors of the Year” (voted by PhD students from years 3 and above).

Teacher of the Year: Charles Hodgon

Charles Hodgson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics, and teaches several graduate courses including Topics in Empirical Economics and Public Policy (ECON 556), Industrial Organization I (Econ 600), and Industrial Organization II (Econ 601). Students noted his clear and accessible teaching style, as well as his willingness to go above and beyond to help everyone understand the material. On his teaching, students say that: “He explains the material for IO and topics in empirical so clearly...leading us horses to water," and “He is always helpful and does everything it takes to explain all the topics clearly.”

Advisors of the Year: Katja Seim and Fabrizio Zilibotti

Katja Seim is the Sharon Oster Professor of Economics and Management with joint appointments in the School of Management and in the Department of Economics. Professor Seim joined Yale in 2019, and has advised many students on topics related to industrial organization and applied microeconomics. Several students noted how supportive she is as an advisor, and that “she always makes us feel welcome,” “she believes in me,” “she has demonstrated the most active interest in my research and also me as a person,” and “she is proactive in looking after students and putting thought into how to help them.”

Fabrizio Zilibotti is Tuntex Professor of International and Development Economics in the Department of Economics. Professor Zilibotti joined Yale in 2017, and has advised many students on topics related to macroeconomics, economic growth and development, family economics, and the economic development of China. Several students praised his supportiveness as an advisor, and noted that “he is super supportive and insightful,” “he is a role model for students,” and “he provides encouraging advice that contains decades of experience and wisdom, while still understanding the frontier of research.”