Meet Luis Palacios-Salguero, Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Before joining Point Park University, Luis Palacios-Salguero, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics and finance, worked as a consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C. He also worked for several years at the Superintendency of Banking and the Ministry of Finance of Peru. Palacios-Salguero earned his Ph.D. in economics from Rutgers University and his fields of specialization are macroeconomics and international finance.
What interests you most about the fields of economics and finance?
On one hand, economics gives me the quantitative and analytical tools to study problems that affect our country and the whole world, and thus propose possible solutions to these problems. Economic problems include recessions, high inflation, high unemployment and high debt, among others. On the other hand, finance provides me with the tools to analyze and provide solutions to problems related to the banking system and the stock market. Examples of financial problems include financial crises, bank runs, high default rates and housing bubbles.
Why did you choose to teach at Point Park?
Before joining the University, I was lucky to meet several Point Park professors who are excellent teachers and professionals working in an excellent academic community. I realized I could also do an excellent job at Point Park and see myself as a teacher and researcher who really wants to help students succeed in their careers and accomplish their personal goals in life.
What classes do you teach?
I teach Principles of Macroeconomics, Money and Banking, and International Economics, among other courses.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I like to discuss with my students the latest key economic and financial events that are occurring in our country and the world. In that process, I encourage students to participate actively in class discussion. I like to see them analyze problems and then present their conclusions and recommendations in an effective way. I really want to see them become well-informed and analytical citizens in economic and social matters.
What are your key research interests?
Currently, I am working in advanced macroeconomic models in order to propose macro policies (both fiscal and monetary) to help countries keep growing and thus benefit their citizens. In my current work, I also pay attention to aspects of the financial sector of the economy, since these are key to understanding why some crises are so deep and last too long, like the most recent financial crisis in our country. In the near future, I will also be studying social topics that are quite relevant to our country today like health care policy, social security issues and welfare programs.
What advice do you have for students considering a career in economics and finance?
Students who decide to pursue a career in economics and finance will learn about theories and tools that will help them pursue great careers at commercial banks, business firms and within the government, among other work places.
My key piece of advice for students is to organize your time efficiently so that you can keep learning about economics and finance and become a successful professional. Also, continue to enjoy other aspects of your lives in the great environment that Point Park provides to the academic community.
It has already been three years since our economic recovery started; however it is clear that we need to find ways to make our recovery faster so that we all have better opportunities to succeed in life. Students in economics and finance have the opportunity to be part of a process in which our country finds out the ways to fully recover and then keep growing for the benefit of all people.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I am very happy to be part of Point Park University, an academic community where excellent professors are really committed to helping students succeed in their professional and personal lives. In these challenging times, we all have to give the best of ourselves to succeed and help our country and all its citizens. As a professor, I am definitely striving to work in that direction.
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