W&L Student Accepted into Expanding Diversity in Economics+ Summer Institute Charlie Salome Sabines ’28 will participate in the program this summer at The University of Chicago.

By Lily Caldwell
April 2, 2025

Washington and Lee University student Charlie Salome Sabines ’28 has been accepted into the Expanding Diversity in Economics+ (EDE+) program hosted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

The competitive two-month program brings together a diverse group of early undergraduate students to strengthen their research abilities and technical skills. Program members will have the opportunity to work with leading researchers in economics, finance, accounting, behavioral science and marketing, offering the students comprehensive exposure to research careers. The program’s unique interdisciplinary approach includes a week-long virtual boot camp, a week with the Hutchins Center at Brookings in Washington, D.C., one week with the Chicago Booth School and a six-week synchronous, online summer course. The course concludes with an invitation to attend and present research findings at a two-day undergraduate research conference in Washington, D.C., hosted by PREDOC.org.

Upon successful completion of the program, Salome Sabines will receive a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and housing for the on-campus programming in Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

“I am most excited about being able to receive mentorship throughout a summer-long research project that ends with a presentation at the PREDOC conference in Washington, D.C.,” Salome Sabines said. “I am also excited about speaking with economists from every level, ranging from current Ph.D. students to Nobel Prize winners and policymakers.”

Salome Sabines plans to pursue a degree in economics. His interests lie in researching and answering questions that lead to real-world policy being developed and implemented.

“Having never taken economics in high school, W&L has not only provided me with engaging classes that have developed my love for economics, but it’s also given me mentors (professors) that have helped me explore careers with an economics degree,” added Salome Sabines.

Launched in 2021, the EDE+ program brings together a range of students from a variety of backgrounds. EDE+ provides participants with ongoing support after program completion, including research assistant programs, academic year workshops and networking opportunities.

“I am excited to have Charlie represent us as the first student from W&L to be accepted into this competitive program,” said Linda Hooks, professor of economics and head of the Economics Department at W&L. “Not only will he gain additional exposure to economics tools and policy, but he will also build a new network of peers interested in similar topics. His time in Washington, D.C., as part of the program will allow for meaningful interaction with policy researchers.”

If you know a W&L student who has done great, accolade-worthy things, tell us about them! Nominate them for an accolade.