Image

Veronika Dolar, PhD

We spoke with Veronika Dolar, PhD, an associate professor in Dyson College of Arts and Sciences’ Economics Department, about her research, its unexpected findings, and pedagogy.

Her recent research interests include work in labor economics, specifically minimum wage policy, and health economics, specifically hospital monopolization.

Why is this research important and how does it affect your pedagogical methods?

My research on the minimum wage emerged from the realization that the way this topic is traditionally taught in economics courses is quite restrictive. Many textbooks focus exclusively on competitive labor markets, where raising the minimum wage is associated with unemployment. However, when different assumptions are applied—such as in a monopsonistic labor market—the outcomes are vastly different.

This inspired me to explore the topic in greater depth, both in my research and pedagogy, to provide students with a more holistic view of minimum wage policies. It serves as a perfect case study for teaching critical thinking in economics: challenging assumptions, applying theory judiciously, exploring its limitations, and understanding the empirical challenges of working with data in social sciences. This deeper engagement with the topic also contributed to my publishing opportunity with Cengage, where I completely revised and rewrote two introductory textbooks - in microeconomics and macroeconomics - to reflect these nuanced perspectives.

Similarly, I apply critical thinking skills to the healthcare market, focusing on hospital monopolization. I explore and investigate how consolidation in healthcare markets affects access, affordability, and quality of care. With healthcare monopolies becoming more common, this work is crucial for informing policies that promote competition and protect consumer interests. In the classroom, I guide students to explore data and analyze market concentration and its consequences on healthcare costs and prices, giving them practical experience in applying economic analysis to pressing issues.

In the healthcare sector, one unexpected discovery was that mergers and hospital consolidations, often promoted as efficiency measures, can lead to higher prices without corresponding improvements in care quality, especially for underserved populations.

What surprising findings have been revealed?

In my research on the minimum wage, I found that moderate increases do not always result in job losses, as predicted by traditional models. In fact, in certain contexts, they can improve worker satisfaction and reduce turnover. These findings emphasize the importance of questioning assumptions in economic theory and understanding the diversity of real-world labor markets.

In the healthcare sector, one unexpected discovery was that mergers and hospital consolidations, often promoted as efficiency measures, can lead to higher prices without corresponding improvements in care quality, especially for underserved populations. This challenges the assumption that larger systems always offer better services.

How does your research inform your teaching?

Image

My research is deeply embedded in my teaching practices. I use the minimum wage debate to show students how to approach complex economic topics critically — examining assumptions, using data meaningfully, and recognizing theoretical limitations. These discussions encourage students to see economics not just as a set of abstract models but as a dynamic discipline that intersects with real-world issues.

I also design in-depth assignments around these themes, where students engage with theoretical and empirical research. Similarly, in health economics, I incorporate discussions about hospital monopolization and market concentration, giving students the tools to analyze healthcare costs and prices critically. These real-world applications help students connect economic theories to policy issues that directly impact society.

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems recently brought together web technology pioneers for an exciting meetup on the future of front-end frameworks. With over a third of attendees coming from outside the Pace community, the event provided a unique opportunity for students and developers alike to connect with industry innovators.

The lineup featured Miško Hevery, creator of Angular and Qwik, Rich Harris of Svelte, and Pace’s own Fabian Hiller, who introduced his lightweight validation library, Valibot. The speakers delivered engaging technical insights, with the audience captivated by cutting-edge discussions on performance optimization, modular architectures, and web development trends.

A recurring theme was the impact of frameworks like Qwik and Svelte in addressing web performance challenges. Miško Hevery's focus on “resumability” and skipping hydration altogether showcased innovative ways to reduce load times, while Rich Harris previewed Svelte 5’s upcoming features and emphasized the framework’s seamless state handling and low memory consumption. Fabian Hiller highlighted Valibot’s modular design, allowing developers to integrate smaller, faster components without bloating their applications.

Students and attendees praised the event’s hands-on discussions, with many expressing excitement about learning directly from the creators of frameworks they have been using extensively. Several participants noted how the networking session allowed meaningful exchanges, with students asking in-depth questions and receiving direct feedback from the speakers. The meetup even marked the first in-person encounter between the creators of Qwik and Svelte, emphasizing New York City's growing prominence as a hub for emerging technologies and highlighting Seidenberg’s strategic advantage in downtown Manhattan—where students and faculty are just steps away from the vibrant tech scene driving these innovations.

The event’s atmosphere was a mix of inspiration and humor—attendees were still chuckling over Miško’s coding-themed jokes well after the talks concluded, and students were quite surprised that the developer of Valibot was actually one of their classmates.

A huge thank you goes out to the students, staff, and faculty that made this event possible, as their hard work is what allows the Seidenberg School to keep students connected to the latest in tech by bringing industry leaders right to campus. Hosting events like this in downtown Manhattan puts students at the heart of innovation, keeping them engaged with the ideas and people shaping the future of technology. Be on the lookout for future meetups that are already being planned, with even more time for discussions and networking!

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University proudly awarded the prestigious 2024 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy to Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law, Rena Lee, and Kristina Maria Gjerde, Senior High Seas Advisor to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This recognition, celebrated at a ceremony in New York City on October 24 and broadcast virtually around the world, honors their pivotal contributions to the United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), an essential international framework for conserving biodiversity in the high seas.

Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and President of the Haub Award Jury, praised the 2024 laureates, saying, “Ambassador Rena Lee and Kristina Maria Gjerde exemplify the diplomacy and dedication required to secure marine biodiversity and sustainable use of ocean resources on the high seas. Covering 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, these oceans connect us all, and the health of these waters is essential for the future of our planet.”

“Ambassador Rena Lee and Kristina Maria Gjerde exemplify the diplomacy and dedication required to secure marine biodiversity and sustainable use of ocean resources on the high seas."

Ambassador Lee’s leadership as President of the Intergovernmental Conference negotiating the BBNJ Agreement was instrumental in establishing this landmark accord, which introduces comprehensive protections for marine biodiversity. With over three decades in international law, her diplomatic expertise has been critical in securing cooperation among nations to protect ocean resources on a global scale.

A pioneering advocate for marine conservation, Kristina Maria Gjerde has dedicated nearly 40 years to advancing public international law for the marine environment. Her early work through IUCN catalyzed support for the BBNJ Agreement, and her leadership in creating initiatives such as the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, the Sargasso Sea Project, the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, and the High Seas Alliance reflects her commitment to global marine biodiversity research and preservation.

Following introductions of the laureates by Professor Achinthi Vithanage, Associate Director of Environmental Law Programs at Haub Law, the award was conferred by Marie-Liliane Haub, great granddaughter of environmental advocate and philanthropist Elisabeth Haub. “It is an honor to join you today as we celebrate two extraordinary women whose tireless work and unwavering dedication have shaped the future of our oceans and our planet,” she said. “Ambassador Rena Lee and Kristina Maria Gjerde’s bold diplomacy and skilled international cooperation have set a powerful precedent for the international collaboration needed to address the environmental challenges of our time.”

The event featured a timely panel discussion on “Safeguarding Biodiversity in the High Seas”, moderated by Professor Smita Narula, Haub Distinguished Professor of International Law and Co-Director of the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies at Haub Law. Ambassador Lee and Professor Gjerde were joined by Dr. David Freestone, Executive Director of the Sargasso Sea Commission and Visiting Scholar at George Washington University Law School, to discuss the urgent need for and implications of the BBNJ Agreement, which establishes protections for biodiversity in international waters. Dr. Freestone is also a 2007 recipient of the Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy.

During the program, the panelists spoke about the profound impact of the 2023 BBNJ Agreement, reflecting on their personal experiences and roles in its development. They discussed the global urgency for high seas conservation, the collaborative diplomacy necessary to finalize such a landmark agreement, and the lessons learned from achieving consensus on environmental issues. The conversation highlighted the agreement's role in promoting sustainable use of marine biodiversity, establishing protected areas, and fostering resilience against climate change.

“The provisions of the BBNJ agreement on environmental impact assessments stand as the current state of the art on notification, consultation, and what the screening and scoping stages should contain,” said Professor Gjerde. “I think the BBNJ agreement will become critically important to ensure effective assessment of emerging activities such as marine carbon dioxide removal research before it transitions to deployment.”

Ambassador Lee addressed an audience of Environmental Law students and advocates, saying: “I know that some here, maybe many here, will be involved in the next chapter of the BBNJ story, which is working out the implementation details. I hope that everyone remembers we don’t have to get things perfect. We have to get things going.”

The Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy is the world’s most prestigious award in the field of environmental law. The Award has a distinguished history since 1979 shaped by progress in the field of environmental law and policy, and through collaborations with the Universite libre du Bruxelles and the International Council of Environmental Law. In 2016, the Family of Elisabeth Haub and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University established the award as it is known today to honor Elisabeth Haub (1899–1977), a noted philanthropist and advocate for strong laws for the conservation of nature. Chosen annually by an esteemed jury, the Award recognizes the innovation, skill, and accomplishments of lawyers, diplomats, international civil servants and other advocates who work to create the world environmental order.

Watch the 2024 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy ceremony and panel discussion

Clinical Assistant Professor of Political Science Laura Tamman, PhD, was quoted in a National Journal story on New York’s 17th Congressional District race between incumbent Republican representative Mike Lawler and former Democratic representative Mondaire Jones.

She said, “I do think it's an interesting race, where you have an incumbent who's pretty in line with the district ideologically. He's governed as a moderate. He's campaigned as a moderate. He's not campaigned on most issues as an extremist.”

Tamman also appeared on Fox talking about the race.

“So, this is one of those races in which it looks like a total toss up, and, given the state at play nationally, majority control of the House may come down to this seat in NY 17, so these voters might be picking the next speaker for the House of the US. It is an essential race,” she said.

“Lawler, in my view, has run a pretty flawless campaign. He’s the incumbent, which gives him an automatic advantage, and he’s governed as a moderate, which is consistent with the district. On the other hand, Jones, for him, the best thing he can do is talk about abortion. And talk about control of the House. And talk about having a majority House that can be a check on a potential President Trump.”

Ground Beneath Our Feet launches with a series of experiential learning programs that connect students with history and current events

As part of National Arts and Humanities Month, Pace University is highlighting its commitment to experiential learning in the humanities. The university recently kicked-off The Ground Beneath Our Feet (GBOF), a program funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which provides students with hands-on experience while connecting them to history and current events.

The GBOF initiative features a series of programs, courses, and a specialized digital mapping platform that taps into New York City’s rich history and culture and recognizes the location of Pace’s downtown campus on unceded Lenape land near the African Burial Ground–at the convergence of Chinatown, Civic Center, Financial District, and the Seaport.

Students engage with a diverse range of topics, from New York City’s 19th-century Spanish-language press to the impacts of Super Storm Sandy to an in-depth look at mutual aid networks during crises. These courses allow students to engage with local communities to address real needs in New York City, using digital mapping technology to connect historical events with modern-day challenges and possible solutions.

“Pace is proud of our strong commitment to the humanities, civic engagement, and experiential learning,” said Pace University President Marvin Krislov. “We make the humanities relevant and practical by connecting students with real-world issues.”

The GBOF efforts, led by Maria Iacullo-Bird, Ph.D., assistant provost for research and clinical professor of history; Kelley Kreitz, Ph.D., director of experiential learning and associate professor of English; and Sid Ray, Ph.D., co-chair and professor of English launched with a kickoff event in September. Moderated by Tresmaine R. Grimes, Ph.D., dean of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education, the event featured presentations by award-winning poet Felicity Flores-Drew ’24 and Kailey Liddell ’23, a Charles S. Dyson Award-winning playwright. Additionally, faculty and community partners participated in a panel discussion highlighting the historical significance of Pace’s Lower Manhattan campus.

GBOF supports courses dedicated to advancing experiential learning in humanities in partnership with a Lower Manhattan Humanities Consortium of cultural and service organizations. Partners include: Billion Oyster Project; Bowery Residents’ Committee; New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS), Municipal Archives Division; South Street Seaport Museum; and Trinity Church Archives.

“Our Chinatowns in the Americas course fosters experiential learning through mutual aid, where students collaborate with community partners in Chinatown to address real needs,” said Professor Stephanie Hsu. “Through this collaboration, students also explore critical issues such as real estate development, eminent domain, the city’s ‘mega-jail’ plans, and food insecurity.”

A second NEH grant designed to support experiential humanities courses like those in the GBOF initiative will establish a new state-of-the-art Makerspace and Humanities Lab, funded by NEH, which will allow students to engage in creative practices such as bookmaking and fabrication, with access to rare small-press publications and DIY works from New York City through the Pace Zine Library collection.

“We are a leader nationally in building what we call experiential humanities–where we empower students to learn by doing,” said Kreitz. “This is a shift away from the historical model of universities of a one-way flow of information. Ultimately, we are preparing students to create the future in which they want to participate.”

GBOF is just one of many experiential learning programs at Pace that support its liberal arts core curriculum and degree programs throughout its seven schools. Over the next few years, Pace is committed to expanding this classroom-based research and community engagement model, allowing students to immerse themselves with historic locations in Pace’s backyard.

A strong liberal arts foundation is a competitive advantage for all Pace students, as it is integrated across all schools and departments. In fact, Pace is set to launch a new Humanities, Art, and Computing minor, housed both in Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. The program will combine digital humanities with equity-centered design thinking, using advanced technology and public engagement to investigate and analyze questions in the humanities.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.