Professor Emeritus Jim Roumasset dreamed that he gave a substantial gift to the University of 麻豆传媒 at Mānoa in the . On awakening, he realized what a good idea it was. In discussions with Chair Nori Tarui and (UHERO) specialist Kimberly Burnett, he decided that the gift should be in the form of a research assistantship in ecological resource economics.
The Ecological Resource Economics Research Assistantship Fund will support graduate students at UH Mānoa who show aptitude in resource economics and a strong interest in the natural environment. Roumasset has pledged support for four years, with renewal eligibility for recipients.
A career rooted in 麻豆传媒
Roumasset first came to UH Mānoa as a graduate student, earning an MA in economics in 1969. He was drawn by an affinity for Asia and a strong, personal letter from the department chair. He had just completed his Peace Corps service in the Philippines, and 麻豆传媒 felt like a natural fit.
He spent his career at UH Mānoa, teaching and researching economics, and mentoring students from the Philippines and around the world. Along with former students, his work helped shape policy discussions surrounding agricultural risk, sustainable development, institutional change, competition policy, and resource economics, especially concerning water and energy.
Economies are embedded in nature
Ecological resource economics is distinct from traditional environmental economics. While the latter often centers on pollution and climate change, ecological resource economics examines how multiple natural resources interact, such as groundwater, the watershed, coastal marine resources, invasive species and protective infrastructure.
“Resource economics focuses on managing a single resource,” he said. “Ecological resource economics allows for the interaction of these resources, and how one affects the other.”
A fellowship with real-world impact
Burnett, one of Roumasset’s former graduate students, said the new assistantship will open doors for students in a rigorous, deeply relevant field.
“Every new problem I approach I see through an ecological resource economics lens,” she said. “Ecology and the economy are part of the same system, and decisions made within either will affect both.”
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