Hi everyone and welcome to the 2015-2016 EOU school year! This year should be a good one with the Economics degree entering its second year, we have many successes to share with you all from last year and over the summer. I was fortunate to spend some time outside the country doing research in the Federated States of Micronesia. The research involved doing interviews and learning about the Yapese culture as it pertains to the development and use of the Rai Stone money (third picture in the background.) Was the money merely a medium of exchange that developed as a technological innovation, or was it something more? I will be writing up my findings during this academic year. The following pictures indicate that I had horrible working conditions (just look at my office!) A big thank you to Norvin Faltir and his family and friends for taking care of me while I was in Yap. It is a wonderful culture and beautiful state. 

Professor McConnell sitting in his office

Meeting with the State Legislature

Touring the