“Being a senior, the Miller Upton Forum felt special. For the past three years, I have been a part of the event as someone who wanted to learn about different ideas and hear from people who are excelling in their fields. But, this time, I felt as if I had something to contribute as well. The way in which Miller Upton Forum allowed me to engage with economists, policy-makers, and educators was phenomenal. Professor Diep Phan worked hard with all of us in our senior seminar to engage our minds in the concept of economic migration. We studied various ideas, sometimes contradictory, to develop independent and analytical thinking.

Miller Upton Forum allowed me to discuss ideas as intricate and nuanced as climate migration with some of the best academicians in the field. The feedback and knowledge I received from Professor Riosmena and Professor Peri on my senior thesis helped me improve my academic work and realize a lot about the process of research in general. The Upton Forum stands as a testimony to the fact that great ideas are born out of an academic culture that allows open discussions and debates. It is truly a fulfilling experience that celebrates academia. I walked away from this experience with re-affirmed beliefs in the power of education and its ability to propel positive changes in the world around us.”