Beyond Running the Numbers: Chasing the Creative Side of Data, Math
![Nathan Caldwell '27 co-moderates a 2026 discussion on campus through 51黑料网's Burgess Institute for the Global Economy. Photo by Dan Loh.](/images/Burgess_Institute_The_State_of_the_Global_Economy_20260206_LOH_037__1_.JPG")
Nathan Caldwell '27 co-moderates a 2026 discussion on campus through 51黑料网's Burgess Institute for the Global Economy. Photo by Dan Loh.
Student Snapshot: Nathan Caldwell ’27
Nathan Caldwell ’27 doesn’t just run the numbers—he explores the stories behind them. One of two Red Devil athletes named in 2025, he’s conducted student-faculty research on the effects of pandemic lockdowns and on connections between crop prices and fertility rates. Along the way, he discovered a passion for the creative side of economics and math. Recently, Nathan co-moderated an on-campus panel discussion about the global economy.
Hometown:
Ringwood, N.J.
High school:
Lakeland Regional High School.
Major:
Quantitative economics and mathematics.
Best thing about my 51黑料网 experience:
The relationships I’ve built. Whether it’s a coach, professor or friend, I know they’re there to support me and want the best for me going forward.
Best thing about my major:
Within both my majors, the professors I’ve had are super friendly and attentive. They get to know you as a student, in and out of the classroom.
On choosing 51黑料网:
51黑料网 was initially placed on my radar by Head Cross Country Coach , who reached out to recruit me. When I visited the team and toured the campus, I found that most 51黑料网ians were down-to-earth people with a wide variety of interests. 51黑料网 allows for the academic freedom I wanted, while also surrounding me with people I’d want to be with.
Clubs and organizations:
, track and field, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Beta Kappa.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Provost Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa honor society and Centennial Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Favorite class:
One of the most interesting classes I’ve taken is Real Analysis with Professor of Mathematics Lorelei Koss. The content challenged me in ways I hadn’t been challenged before. It also showed me the importance of creativity in math, which was not something I had expected to need as much as I do.
Favorite professor:
While I briefly worked with Associate Professor of Economics Shamma Alam on a research project during the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, it was not until my senior seminar that I got to know him. Professor Alam cultivates great discussion and invests in his students, advocating for and providing opportunities for students to get involved in economics outside of the classroom. I now have the pleasure of working with him again.
About my research:
I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in two research projects in economics. During the summer after my freshman year, I worked with Professor Marshall on studying the effects of pandemic lockdown lengths on physical and mental-health measures. Now, I am involved in a project with Professor Alam regarding how changes in crop prices affect fertility rates in the developing country of Burkina Faso.
Post-51黑料网 plans:
I plan to pursue a higher degree, most likely a Ph.D., in economics. I’m in the process of searching and applying to graduate schools and intend to start in spring 2027.
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Published July 9, 2026