Casey Henry, a recent Louisiana Tech University MBA graduate, was selected to present his original research at the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA) conference, the largest gathering of economists and social scientists in the world.
Hosted annually, the ASSA conference brings together leading scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the globe. Henry was selected to present through a highly competitive process administered by Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE), the international honor society for economics.
“Dubbed ‘the Superbowl of Economic Conferences’ by my chaperone and ODE advisor Dr. Ogbonnaya Nwoha, representing Louisiana Tech and the College of Business at such a prestigious conference was both an honor and an invaluable professional experience,” said Henry.
The selection process included submission of a research abstract for consideration in the ODE Graduate Student Session. Then, selected participants were required to submit a full-length research paper for review by an ODE Award Selection Committee composed of faculty economists and academic leaders from around the world.
Henry’s research explores the cords that bind productivity, inequality, and economic growth in developed countries.
“Specifically, I examine how productivity dynamics interact with income distribution and long-term growth trajectories, and how imbalances among these forces can shape economic outcomes across advanced economies,” said Henry. “The research seeks to address not only whether growth occurs, but how it occurs and who ultimately benefits from it.”
Notably, Henry’s work stood out among a field largely composed of doctoral-level research.
“While most of the research presented in the ODE Graduate Student Session was drawn directly from doctoral dissertations, my paper was not dissertation-based,” Henry said. “Being included alongside dissertation-level research from institutions around the world affirmed the rigor, originality, and relevance of my work.”
The opportunity reflects the College of Business’ continued emphasis on both experiential learning and faculty-supported research like the annual Research Forum and Regional Economic Analysis of Louisiana (REAL) Report.
“Dr. Nwoha’s guidance and support were instrumental in my participation at ASSA,” said Henry. “His mentorship exemplifies the College’s commitment to strong faculty-student research collaboration. I am also grateful to Anna Griffin, past ODE president, whose encouragement motivated me to join ODE, submit my research for consideration, and ultimately participate in the ASSA conference.”
Henry also noted that Dr. Patrick Scott, associate professor of economics and director of the Center for Economic Research, played a foundational role in starting economic research. Scott served as an academic advisor throughout the endeavor.
“Presenting at ASSA, engaging in scholarly dialogue, and receiving feedback from economists actively contributing to the field was invaluable,” Henry said. “The experience strengthened my confidence as a researcher and reinforced that my work is competitive, meaningful, and worthy of continued development. ASSA was a reminder that progress in research is measured not only by awards, but by intellectual engagement, resilience, and the willingness to contribute to global scholarly conversations.”