AEASP 2025 Scholar Melina Valencia

Melina Valencia is an undergraduate at the College of the Holy Cross, majoring in Economics and minoring in Religious Studies. As a first-generation college student, she is interested in using economic research to address real-world issues. She worked on an econometric research project titled *Health Expenditures and Life Expectancy Across the 50 U.S. States*, which deepened her interest in public policy and data-driven research.

Since developing her economic foundation, it has strengthened her aspirations to contribute to the field of Economics. Melina hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics, joining the small but growing percentage of Latinas. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys engaging in fun activities and exploring new restaurants. She is committed to continuous learning and hopes to explore the dynamic and impactful world of economic research.