Rhys Cooper

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Quantitative emphasis

Future Plans: Complete Masters of Science in Economics program at Boise State University while working as a Graduate Assistant

Honored Faculty: Dr. Rafael Ribas, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics

Rhys Cooper has distinguished himself in the Department of Economics and the community. During his second year at Boise State, he was selected as the president of the Economics Association. With the help of his leadership team, he created the annual student-faculty dinner for the Department of Economics and Economics students. Additionally, in the second semester of his sophomore year, Rhys was a dedicated teaching assistant for Principles of Macroeconomics. It was at this time that he was also accepted into the accelerated Masters of Science in Economics program with a Chapman Fellowship. His accomplishments in the department only continued to accumulate. During his senior year, Rhys transitioned to a research assistant position under Assistant Professor Dr. Rafael Ribas, where he continues to work on a project analyzing the effects of mass shootings. This semester, Rhys accepted a full graduate assistantship for the next academic year while working to finish his graduate degree, and was selected as the Outstanding Graduate in Economics for Spring 2024.

Off-campus, Rhys has volunteered for the Idaho Special Olympics. Joining as a volunteer in fall 2022, Rhys began as a track coach for Team Ghostbusters; by the Summer of 2023, Rhys had accepted greater responsibilities as the Team Ghostbusters’ sports coordinator, seeking venues willing to donate practice space for the team. In the fall of 2023, Rhys took on the local program coordinator role for Team Ghostbusters. In this volunteer position, Rhys helped to bring back Team Ghostbusters and the Boise Community Stars floor hockey programs. He is excited to continue growing the Special Olympics teams in Boise and adding new sports programs. One of his goals is to increase Boise State student involvement in the Special Olympics.

Rhys is excited to finish his Master’s degree at Boise State next year and continue his work in the community.

Rhys is from Morton, Illinois.

Scholarships and Awards: John J. and Ethel C. Chapman Graduate Economics Fellowship, Chapman Economics Scholarship, Len B. & Grace Jordan for Economic Studies Scholarship, Geetha Raha Economics Scholarship, College of Business and Economics Scholarship, Outstanding Graduate in Economics