Welcome to the Department of Economics! Our website provides you with plenty of information about who we are, what we do and why economics is such a worthwhile subject to study.

My own interest in economics was spurred when I took my first two introductory courses as an undergraduate student at Memorial over 20 years ago. I found economics provided powerful tools and critical thinking skills to better understand the world and the decisions and actions of people in it. Economics is deeply connected to many of the pressing issues we face every day—from understanding the impact of trade policies and tariffs, to addressing doctor shortages and housing affordability, to considering the impact of public infrastructure on rural communities.

Beyond the appeal of the subject, my decision to major in economics was profoundly influenced by the department and its people. Alongside my discovery of economics as a discipline, I found a supportive and engaging environment that shaped my academic journey. I continued to complete my bachelor's and master’s degrees here before pursuing my doctorate in England with the encouragement and support of Memorial’s Department of Economics.

Ultimately, I returned to our department as a faculty member in 2016, and I can say that the department has only built on its strengths since my days as a student here. Our faculty members, instructors and staff are approachable, knowledgeable and supportive. We strive to remain relevant and valuable to our students and communities, to offer excellent teaching and support to our students, and to undertake research that provides important insights into real-world challenges.

As head of the department, it is my goal to ensure that students see the value of economics and feel as welcomed here as I was many years ago! Our students are our central focus, and we endeavour to provide a stimulating learning environment for them and to provide them with important skills that are needed in today’s world. We offer students opportunities to engage with our research, hear from experts working in related fields, and gain hands-on experience by contributing to ongoing research in our department. Our faculty members take pride in providing stimulating courses and constructive supervision in areas including trade, banking, game theory, cost benefit analysis, health economics, policy evaluation and more!

Whether you are just exploring economics for the first time or considering it as your major, we are here to help you uncover the many ways this field can deepen your understanding of the world. A degree in economics can open up exciting career opportunities, while equipping you with the tools to ask meaningful questions and help shape solutions for the complex problems encountered in society. Economics is more than just numbers. It’s about gaining insight into behaviour, analyzing real-world challenges, and making informed decisions. We hope you’ll find it as relevant, engaging, and rewarding as we do!

Dr. Lynn Gambin