Student Testimonials
Faculty Mentorship and Advising
"The department truly prioritizes PhD training. Faculty were incredibly accessible and generous with their time—I always felt comfortable reaching out for guidance, both from my advisor and from faculty across different fields. It’s a family-style program where students are genuinely supported as we grow into researchers."
— Kai-Jie Wu, ’23 PhD, Penn State University
"The quality and availability of the faculty's mentorship and advice are top-notch and, in my opinion, make the Econ Department at Rochester stand out among its peer schools. My advisors' doors were perennially open, and they showed a strong willingness to help and guide me through my research. Every faculty member I met and interacted with was happy to help and give feedback. The mentorship was not limited to just the papers. My advisors were extremely helpful in understanding how to frame my papers, how to present them or discuss them with others, and how to navigate the labor market."
— Victor Hernandez Martinez, ’21 PhD, Cleveland FRB
"The faculty at Rochester are not only brilliant but also incredibly broad in their expertise, enabling us to explore a wide range of research topics with confidence. My advisors were deeply invested in my success, offering guidance and encouragement at every stage of my research."
— Yajie Wang, ’23 PhD, University of Missouri
"I believe what truly sets Rochester's PhD program apart is the accessibility of its faculty. I always felt like part of a close-knit family. The department’s relatively small size, the fact that all faculty members are on the same floor, and the strong emphasis on community activities all contribute to this atmosphere. While the advisor-advisee relationship is naturally idiosyncratic, my experience could not have been better."
— Armen Khederlarian, ’21 PhD, CUNY Hunter
Program Culture and Intellectual Community
"The PhD experience at Rochester is shaped by a uniquely supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Professors are not only distinguished scholars but also remarkably accessible, always open to conversations, whether in scheduled meetings, casual coffee chats, or chance encounters in the hallways. Graduate students build strong connections, tackling challenges together and sharing in each other’s achievements. No matter when or what the question is, guidance is always within reach—I always miss my days in Rochester."
— Chang Liu, ’24 PhD, Stony Brook University
"I couldn't be happier to have chosen the University of Rochester for my PhD. It is an academically active department, offering numerous opportunities to present work, receive feedback, and engage in research. The faculty are accessible, and it's common to work with them as a research assistant or to collaborate on projects."
— Paulo Lins, ’24 PhD, Clemson University
"The department’s relatively small size, the fact that all faculty members are on the same floor, and the strong emphasis on community activities all contribute to a tight-knit and collegial environment."
— Armen Khederlarian, ’21 PhD, CUNY Hunter
"The department encourages collaboration at every level. Faculty and students regularly exchange ideas in field reading groups and student lunch workshops. This collaborative environment helped me build multiple rewarding and lasting coauthorships during the program."
— Kai-Jie Wu, ’23 PhD, Penn State University
"I learned so much from my peers and alumni, and the collaborative spirit extended beyond graduation—we continue to work together today!"
— Yajie Wang, ’23 PhD, University of Missouri
Professional and Career Preparation
"My advisors were not just helpful in research but also in shaping my career. They provided invaluable guidance on presenting my work, discussing ideas with others, and navigating the job market."
— Victor Hernandez Martinez, ’21 PhD, Cleveland FRB
"I also found that the Rochester PhD alumni network is great. They are there to help you throughout your PhD studies, during the job market, and over the course of your career."
— Paulo Lins, ’24 PhD, Clemson University
Life in Rochester
"Having previously lived in Barcelona and Berlin, I was initially apprehensive about moving there. However, I soon discovered that Rochester was the perfect place to pursue my PhD. It’s highly affordable, especially the housing. It is also relatively compact, and easily navigable by bike. There are excellent restaurants, a rich cultural and athletic scene, and, most importantly, a vibrant social life centered around the University. The changing seasons are spectacular, and winter provides the perfect opportunity to immerse deeply in work and research."
— Armen Khederlarian, ’21 PhD, CUNY Hunter
"As someone who hated Rochester's weather, I can confidently say that I loved living in Rochester during my PhD. The city is small but has access to most amenities you will need or want. The relaxed nature of the city incentivizes you to take things calmly, to stop and think, something valuable during a PhD. Furthermore, because Rochester is exceptionally affordable, making ends meet during the PhD was easy, allowing me to focus on my classes and research."
— Victor Hernandez Martinez, ’21 PhD, Cleveland FRB