Economics is What Economists Do: Exposing Principles of Economics Students to Economic Research and Researchers

This paper describes an innovative approach to increase the diversity of students majoring in economics.The approach involves a virtual research seminar series called "Economics is What Economists Do" designed to introduce Principles of Economics students to the range of ideas studied by economists and the diverse people who pursue economics.The series aims to address two possible factors that could contribute to the "supply side" of the economics pipeline: perceived interest in economics and role models.By exposing students to many current research projects, the seminar series can broaden students' perceptions of the field.Additionally, the series serves as a source of role models for students who do not identify with their professors' race or gender.We describe how we implemented the "Economics is What Economists Do" seminar series in multiple sections of Principles of Economics, discuss the associated learning outcomes, and share reflections on its effectiveness.