Undergraduate students from FSU’s Department of Economics — Max Blumenfeld, Ilya Korolev, Ryder Lambert, and Synnove Mikkelsen — were awarded scholarships for demonstrating academic excellence in their core courses and upper-division electives.
FSU’s Department of Economics has several merit-based scholarship opportunities for undergraduates. The Reva Daniels Metzinger Scholarship is awarded to two people per semester, who receive a certificate and a cash prize of $2,000. The Milford Family Scholarship is awarded to one person per semester. The Sharp Family Scholarship is awarded to one person per semester who has achieved academic excellence and has demonstrated financial need.
Max Blumenfeld, from Heidelberg, Germany, graduated with a bachelor’s in economics this past spring. In his undergraduate career, he was an Outdoor Pursuits Trip Leader at the FSU Lakefront/Rez and co-founded Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), a club dedicated to space education and professional development.
“I’d like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Joe Calhoun, Dr. John Hamman, Dr. Crystal Taylor, and Dr. Sam Staley for their tireless mentorship and support,” Blumenfeld said. “Moreover, I’m grateful for the incredible, tightly-knit, and inspiring economics cohort I studied and developed alongside.”
He will begin a master’s program in International Economics and Finance at Johns Hopkins University this July. In this program, students will gain expertise in advanced economic theories and master professional quantitative and econometrics skills.
“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected for the Reva Daniels Metzinger scholarship,” Blumenfeld said. “This financial support could not have come at a better time – I look forward to using the assistance from the scholarship to prioritize my academics during my graduate studies beginning this summer.”
Ilya Korolev, from Palm Coast, Florida, graduated with a bachelor’s in economics this past spring.
“I would like to thank Dr. Randall Holcombe for his support during my time at FSU,” Korolev said.
He will begin studying to earn a Master of Science in Real Estate Development at Columbia University in New York later this month. As a three-semester program, it’s a degree that combines the fundamental skills of professional real estate with a holistic approach to urban development as a creative act. Afterwards, he plans to relocate to Miami or Tampa to begin her career.
“Receiving this scholarship could not have come at a better time, as I prepare to move to New York to chase a master’s at Columbia,” Korolev said. “It has brought me a sense of tranquility during a financially stressful period and will directly support me through the rigorous summer semester, allowing me to focus fully on my studies.”
Ryder Lambert graduated with a bachelor’s in economics this past spring and is from Jacksonville, Florida. In his undergraduate career, Lambert had the opportunity to assist Amid Ardakani, Ph.D., in developing materials for his graduate Machine Learning course.
“This was one of the best professional experiences I have had here.” said Lambert. “His classes, Economics of the Middle East and Economics of Development, were the most impactful I’ve taken, and I’d like to sincerely thank him for his mentorship.”
He will begin the Master’s in Applied Economics Program (MAEP) here at FSU this fall and will graduate with a Master of Science in Summer 2026. A one-year program, MAEP equips students for careers in government and the private sector with job placement rates exceeding 90% in recent years.
“Receiving the Sharp Family Scholarship is both an honor and a tremendous help. It allows me to focus more fully on my graduate studies and future goals in the field.” said Lambert.
Synnove Mikkelsen, from Davie, Florida, graduated with a bachelor’s in economics this past spring. Through her active involvement in the FSU Economics Club, she explored various subfields of economics. She developed a strong interest in the intersection of public goods, tax structures, and game theory.
“I would like to thank Dr. Michael Hammock for introducing me to the world of economics,” Mikkelsen said. “Not only has Dr. Hammock been a great source of knowledge for me, but he has also served as one of my main sources of encouragement.”
She will also begin the Master’s in Applied Economics Program (MAEP) here at FSU this fall and will graduate with a Master of Science in the summer of 2026.
“I feel truly honored to have received this scholarship,” Mikkelsen said. “Never in my life did I think I would be recognized for my academics, especially while being surrounded by so many intelligent and creative thinkers in the department.”
To learn more about the scholarships offered within the Department of Economics, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/economics/undergraduate-program/student-awards.