Alumnus Thomas T. Wiemann accepts PhD position at University of Chicago; wins prestigious fellowship

Thomas recently accepted an offer with full funding from the renowned university. He states: ‘The University of Chicago has an incredible tradition of excellence in economics, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for research in such a stimulating environment. To study at the same institution where so many great economists received their education is a dream come true.’ The list of distinguished alumni that graduated with a PhD from the University of Chicago includes economics Nobel Laureates Gary Becker, James Buchanan, Robert Lucas, Harry Markowitz, Paul Samuelson, Myron Scholes, Herb Simon, and George Stigler.

In addition, Thomas has been awarded the prestigious ERP Fellowship by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Aimed at advancing students who will strengthen transatlantic relations via their personality and study experience in the US, the programme supports 10-20 postgraduates (across all disciplines) at elite American universities each year. ‘The ERP community is a great chance to meet other aspiring researchers and professionals. I am humbled to join them and to receive such generous support for my studies.’ 

Originally from Germany, Thomas moved to Rotterdam in 2014 to start the double degree BSc2 programme in Econometrics and Economics. He obtained both diplomas in four years’ time, graduating last summer. For the past year, Thomas has been at the University of Oxford where he is completing the MSc in Statistical Science.

‘This level of success in such a short time is truly remarkable”

Thomas’ experience as a research assistant for Dr Sacha Kapoor sparked his interest in original research. This passion was further cultivated through his bachelors’ thesis under the supervision of Professor Robin L. Lumsdaine and a separate research project in collaboration with Professor Philip Hans Franses (former Dean of Erasmus School of Economics), both resulting in papers submitted to academic journals for publication. ‘We established the double degree BSc2 programme in 2013 as an avenue to prepare the very best students for careers at top international universities and Thomas’ group last year was the second cohort of students to have graduated’, explains Franses.   Of Thomas’ acceptances to top US universities, he notes, ‘To have achieved this level of success in such a short time is truly remarkable.’  Lumsdaine adds: ‘Collaborating with students of such high caliber on original research is one of the best parts of being a faculty member of Erasmus School of Economics. Working with Thomas has been a delight.’ Thomas will present his joint paper with Prof. Lumsdaine at two international conferences this summer: the Society for Financial Econometrics (SoFiE) in Shanghai, China, and the International Association for Applied Econometrics (IAAE) in Nicosia, Cyprus.

‘A perfect fit’

Thomas emphasises that the double degree BSc2 programme was a perfect fit: ‘I was looking for a rigorous programme in an international and diverse environment that equips students with both the deep economic insights and the quantitative skills necessary to tackle many real-world challenges. I found that at Erasmus School of Economics. In addition to the academic curriculum, there are many opportunities for students to develop as independent thinkers, challenge themselves, and excel in their passions. Being an active member in student-led organisations on campus, for example, sharpened my professional skills, especially in my first years. Later on, I was very fortunate to work closely with professors and PhD students, who provided invaluable mentorship and greatly shaped my academic ambitions. I could not be happier about the many things I learned and the experiences I had while at Erasmus School of Economics. They provided excellent preparation for my graduate studies and will allow me to delve deeply into the topics that I find most fascinating.’