Thesis Student Profile: Christopher Pierre (economics '22)

As a fifth-year student, Christopher Pierre (economics ’22) is writing his final thesis, an undergraduate requirement for most degree programs in Haiti. The focus of his thesis is on the effects of technological development on economic growth in Haiti from 1989 to 2019. "I am in the process of completing this work thanks to the support and advice of the thesis advisors at HELP and my supervisor, who is the Vice Dean of the faculty of economics at Quisqueya University,” Christopher explains. 

Once he finishes his thesis (which requires completing research, finalizing his paper, and presenting it to a HELP panel in a mock defense) and successfully defends it to a panel of faculty, Christopher will officially graduate with his bachelor’s degree in economics – a momentous achievement for a student who grew up in Martissant one of the poorest and most violent sections of Port-au-Prince. Raised by a single mother who couldn't afford tuition fees or school uniforms, Christopher now has opportunities he never dreamed of growing up.

The thesis advisors at HELP support all thesis students by organizing training workshops twice a week, assisting students in finding books and other research material related to their work, and proofreading thesis drafts for grammar, spelling, and accuracy.

Looking to the future, Christopher expands on his post-graduation plans, “After I graduate, I plan to pursue a master's degree in finance and project management. I'll use this degree to achieve better success in business in the future."