Fernandez was awarded a scholarship from the AEA's Summer Minority Program and will attend an eight-week advancement session at the University of Colorado at Denver next month.
The AEA summer program offers 10-and-a-half hours of academic credit from UCD, based on a series of foundation and advanced courses in mathematics, economic policy, econometrics, microeconomics, data analysis and research methodology.
"I hope to study economics at a graduate level," said Fernandez, a native of Randolph, NJ. "This program will not only prepare me academically for future work in economics, but it will expose me to the environment of graduate school."
Fernandez credits his BC economics faculty for his success in winning the AEA grant. "This opportunity was made possible by the education I have attained at Boston College and the guidance that I have received from my professors.
"One of the things that appeals to me about BC is the fact that its professors are very committed to their research," he said, "but also make an effort to mentor their students."
"Mario does economics with style," said Asst. Prof. Douglas Marcouiller, SJ (Economics), Fernandez's academic advisor. "He enjoys pushing abstract models to their limits, while also keeping an eye on the details of public policy.
"I'm not surprised that the AEA has invited Mario to the intensive summer program," Fr. Marcouiller said. "It's a great fit."
Charles M. Becker, a professor of economics at UCD and executive director of the summer program, predicts Fernandez will greatly benefit from the AEA session. "BC can be justifiably proud of Mario Fernandez. He is an outstanding student, and an excellent young economist."