Jordan Evans-Kaplan graduated from the MAEUS program. Since graduation, he has continued to focus his skills in data science, visualization, and analysis by trading stocks using similar predictive models as implemented in his thesis, and then applying these same techniques to his new job in a FinTech startup.

How has the MAEUS program helped you in your current career?

By providing the opportunity to focus on what really mattered to me, I was able to study an interdisciplinary mixture of economics and European Union Studies which fit my interests, and allowed me to develop skills which I use daily in computational models and predictive analysis.

In 1-2 sentences, can you tell us more about your MAEUS thesis topic?

For my thesis work, I analyzed the factors behind recessions in the Eurozone using a multivariate national GDP model, which utilized a machine learning algorithm known as “XGBoost”, famous in the modeling community for incredible accuracy. This thesis, which also produced a model of recessions with the highest known accuracy in the literature, demonstrates the clear link between Greek and Cypriot GDP with the 2008 and 2011 recessions, providing computational evidence for economic contagion in the shared currency framework of the Eurozone.

What was your favorite part of the MAEUS program?

The trip to KU Leuven! Getting to apply my knowledge, experience both the culture of Belgium and see the heart of the European Union’s politics (pre-pandemic!) was an incredible experience I’ll never forget. (Who knew monks could brew beer like that?)

Do you have any advice or suggestions for current or prospective MAEUS students?

If you decide to write a thesis like I did, be careful to take advantage of the plentiful resources available, from the coursework centered on research methods to the vast library catalog. Once you’ve found an interest, avoid getting information overload by narrowing down your question as much as possible and never let the perfect be the enemy of the good. 

Do you have any additional thoughts you would like to share on the MAEUS program or your time at Illinois?

The MAEUS program can be anything you make it, from a slight extension of your undergrad work to an entire new chapter. Make sure to enjoy the different things you’ll get access to, as no matter what, it flies by fast!