Star
STAR is an initiative of the Center for Studies on Economic Development (CEDE) of the Department of Economics at the Universidad de los Andes. It fosters enriching research training experiences. The program builds on CEDE’s extensive experience engaging students in research to enrich their training, preparing them for different fields where understanding economic research is essential. These fields range from academic research to applied work in public and private sectors. STAR promotes best practices among mentors and students to optimize this experience.
Who is it for?
Students:
STAR is a community where you can connect, grow, learn, and train in applied and academic research. We are committed to taking care of you, guiding you, and supporting you every step of the way.
Professors
Our professors are committed to making a difference with their research and when training our students. STAR ensures that each student's path to excellence follows best practices that promote their well-being and growth, helping to care for our community.
More than 50 years of quality academic research
Our experience since 2018
STAR Experience
Manuela Navarrete Experience
Tools and knowledge that form the basis of the future
Jorge Alberto Guerra
Creative encounters that connect the academy with the world
Andres Moya
The value of being a STAR mentor
Alvaro Riascos
Andres Alvarez
Andres Moya
Camila Galindo
Carlos Caballero
Daniel Mejia
David Bardey
David Perez
Fabio Sanchez
Fernando Jaramillo
Hernando Zuleta
Hernan Vallejo
Ignacio Sarmiento
Jimena Hurtado
Jorge Bonilla
Jorge Maldonado
Jorge Tovar
Jose Guerra
Juan Camilo Cardenas
Juan Sebastian Galan
Juliana Helo
Leonardo García
Leopoldo Fergusson
Manuel Fernandez
Marc Hofstetter
Marcela Eslava
Maria Alejandra Velez
Nicolas de Roux
Oscar Becerra
Oskar Nupia
Paula Jaramillo
Rachid Laajaj
Raquel Bernal
Raul Castro
Samuel Jaramillo
Sandra Aguilar
Tomas Rodriguez
Our members share an enthusiastic vocation for academic and applied research.
We are passionate, committed, and rigorous in our work. We are proud to be part of a community where learning and mentoring are the pillars of personal and professional growth.
Being part of STAR means being willing to explore, learn, and constantly strive for research excellence.
Below, you can apply for a research opportunity or become STAR-certified if you have already met the requirements.
How do I know if I can certify as a STAR member?
To certify as a STAR, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Implement best practices during the research work.
- Engage in research at CEDE for at least two academic semesters with a minimum half-time dedication.
What our STAR students value the most
Carlos Balcazar
The rigor with which the professors approach the research. This was fundamental for my career after finishing my master's degree, as their feedback and advice during the thesis writing process helped me to strengthen the document. Then, with this same thesis, I got a job with a multilateral organization, and it also became my writing sample for applying for my PhD. Fortunately, I also published it.
Ene 17, 2022
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Diana Carolina León
Curiosity. It was always good to ask questions and wonder about things. It wasn't just following rules but being curious about what you learned.
Otc 2, 2022
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Daniela Santos
Having worked in a department with a friendly and collaborative environment among professors, research assistants, and administrative staff, with opportunities to discuss and act on topics such as gender and regional inequality. A department that cares about its pedagogical methods and, unlike the best economics faculties in the world, has not sidelined the quality of teaching. It has high-quality researchers with a professional network across the globe. It allowed me to get closer to institutions such as the National Police and understand the role of research in Colombia.
Apr 21, 2021
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1. Open calls
At STAR, we value diversity and equal opportunities. By striving to fill positions through open calls whenever possible, we broaden access to students with diverse backgrounds, enriching our team with unique talent and perspectives. This practice allows us to build a more inclusive and growing community.
2. Health is paramount
The well-being of our students comes first. We prioritize their mental health and encourage them to balance their academic and personal responsibilities. We provide resources and support so they can face challenges with a healthy and focused mind.
3. Pedagogical mindset
At STAR, we believe in the value of continuous learning. As professors and mentors, we foster the mindset that the research process is as important as the results. We involve our students in discussions and decision-making, allowing them to grow personally and professionally.
4. Take advantage of the resources:
The Center for Economic Development Studies (CEDE) is a valuable resource at STAR. We encourage our students to use all the resources available, such as Research Advisors, the welcome Handbook, and the wellness and integration events held during the semester. These resources enhance their experience and contribute to their growth.
5. Connecting
We believe it is essential to establish a close and trusting relationship with our students, with whom we share concerns and goals to support their professional growth. We are committed mentors who are interested in their professional and academic future.
6. Differential and intersectional approach
We encourage our students to be sensitive to the characteristics that, in our context, can increase the burden of inequality. STAR promotes inclusion and respect for different perspectives. We value and support our research assistants in their growth by promoting equity.
7. Providing feedback
Feedback is a learning tool at STAR. We encourage our students to share their impressions of their experiences and to express their opinions in a respectful environment. We also encourage our mentors to highlight their student´s achievements and keep in mind that they are in a learning process. This approach helps us improve and evolve as a community.
8. Motivation
We want to make research exciting and relevant to our students. We foster leadership among our more experienced students and support the learning of those just starting. We set clear expectations and deadlines to maintain motivation and focus on our projects.
9. Fair recognition
We value the effort and contribution of our students at STAR. We recognize them appropriately in our work and share research achievements. We promote transparency in co-authorship decisions and celebrate results together.
10. Honesty and transparency
At STAR, we care about the well-being of our students. We are careful and transparent about our contracting conditions, avoiding informal arrangements. We define times and tasks that respect their needs and guarantee an enriching experience.
Our economics professors are research leaders in various fields. Part of their goal as educators is to share their expertise and be the best mentors for curious students interested in research calls.
They all have solid and diverse training in various areas of knowledge, with extensive experience in research projects and consulting. This drives them to approach economic issues with passion and creativity. Their contributions to academia and beyond demonstrate their excellent work, which impacts economic decision-making at both local and global levels.
Testimonials from our community
Leopoldo Fergusson
What is the importance of STAR?
Nicolás de Roux
How does STAR link to the university mission?
Hernando Zuleta
Principles in the mentor-student relationship
Are you a student? Get involved in research:
Connect with mentors, stay updated on calls, and open doors to academic and professional success. Take advantage of the opportunity to excel on your educational journey! Here are some of the most exciting benefits waiting for you:
- Work and Learn from Experts: Research projects allow you to work with faculty members who are experts in economics. You will be able to absorb first-hand knowledge, ask questions, and gain experience within the research field.
- Explore the World of Applied Research: : Theory meets practice in applied research. Here, you can use your knowledge in real-world situations and see how your ideas can significantly impact society.
- Participate in Impactful Research:Our projects cover various economic topics, from public policy to financial analysis and sustainability. Your participation can contribute to research that makes a difference.
- Prepare for the Future: Have you considered pursuing a PhD? Joining research projects allows you to receive guidance and support from professionals who have already been down that path. We will help you forge a clear path to your Ph.D.
- Expand your Network: Research connects you with people passionate about economic issues. You'll establish valuable relationships that can last throughout your entire career.
Are you a mentor? Involve students in your projects:
If you wish to involve students in your research and contribute to their education, we invite you to publish your calls openly; this will generate more opportunities to advance knowledge and help shape excellent professionals. Below is the open calls form, which you can customize according to your needs.
How and why did it start?
CEDE has developed a rich tradition of research over many years. Professors and students have intensively explored topics relevant to society, expanding the frontiers of knowledge. STAR helps formalize and consolidate our long legacy of intellectual exploration and share it with the world.
These are our commitments:
- Commitment to student training. Their participation in research is an opportunity for growth and skills acquisition
- Commitment to research quality. CEDE's leadership in research worldwide is supported not only by the quality of its professors but also by the talent, enthusiasm, and solid training of the students of the Department of Economics.
- Commitment to the country. By participating in research with our professors, students develop an interest in studying topics relevant to Colombia, research that will result in future contributions to the country.
Gallery
With the collaboration of
TREES is an initiative that researches, learns and expands knowledge on inequalities from the global south. Therefore, its support to STAR allows to generate knowledge to build more equitable economies and strengthen a young academic community that is trained in relevant and innovative topics for Latin America and the global south.
Key points of collaboration between the two initiatives:
- Affirm commitment to research to contribute to a better understanding of society.
- Promote the creation of professional relationships that can have a lasting impact.
- Help strengthen best practices for mentors and students.
Testimonials
Jorge Alberto Guerra
Creative encounters that connect academia with the world
Manuela Navarrete Experience
Tools that form the foundations of the future
Nicolás de Roux
How does STAR link to the university mission?
Andrés Moya
The value of being a STAR mentor
STAR identity
STAR's logo is inspired by the Southern Cross, a constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere and a historical guide for navigators. The Cross symbolizes our commitment to our environment and our aim to promote capabilities and valuable knowledge to the Global South. The logo reflects the values of excellence, growth, and projection into the future of the Universidad de los Andes. We invite you to be part of this valuable and inspiring process!