Academic X’cellence: Sharing stories from our inspiring StFX community
It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with StFX that our campus is filled with highly engaged students, educators, researchers, and leaders. Academic X’cellence shines a spotlight on members of our educational community to find out more about their unique experiences—both inside and outside of the classroom. (To see the full series, please click HERE.)
Here we meet Francisco (Xavier) Chang, an honours fourth year economics student from Guayaquil, Ecuador. He is an RBC Foundation Undergraduate Summer Research Internship Award recipient and is working to build a model that can better forecast university enrollment numbers in Nova Scotia. This year, he is competing in the Bank of Canada Governor's Challenge. He is also the current StFX Students’ Union president.
From student advocate to undergraduate researcher studying university enrollment numbers, meet honours student Francisco (Xavier) Chang
Tell us about some of your involvements at StFX?
I’ve been fortunate to engage in many aspects of university life. A major part of my journey has been with the StFX Students' Union, where I began as the international student representative and now serve as the president. This role has given me opportunities to advocate for students both within the university and at various levels of government—municipal, provincial, and federal. Outside of that, I’ve been actively involved in intramurals every year and became part of a community we call "The Slayers." Academically, I’m in the economics honours program, I’ve been a teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant (RA) in economics, and I’ve had the chance to receive a summer research scholarship. I was also president of the Economics Society and this year I am competing in the Bank of Canada Governor's Challenge.
Could you talk about the significance of your research?
My research project is titled "The Determinants of Postsecondary Enrolment in Nova Scotia: A Conjoint Analysis.” The goal is to identify which factors most influence students' decisions to enroll in post-secondary institutions. By understanding these drivers, I aim to build a model that can better forecast university enrollment numbers in Nova Scotia. This research has been incredibly impactful on my education, as it has sharpened my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of student decision-making processes.
Why is it important to get involved?
Getting involved is the best way to discover what the university has to offer and to meet new people. When I first arrived at StFX, joining societies helped me make friends and connect with others who had similar interests. With over 70 societies on campus, there’s truly something for everyone. I also find that the more involved I am, the better my mental health is. It creates balance by giving me spaces outside of academics to connect with peers, which helps reduce stress.
What drew you to economics?
Growing up, my mom, who is an economist and former teacher, had a significant influence on me. I was always fascinated by how people make decisions and why they behave the way they do in real-world situations. This interest in behavioral economics is what initially drew me in, but since starting the program, my research interests have expanded to other areas as well.
Have you had a favorite class?
It’s hard to pick just one! Experimental Economics played a key role in helping me build my research proposal for my honours thesis. Econometrics I & II, Time Series, and the Seminar classes have also been extremely valuable. The economics program at StFX is a close-knit community where both students and professors are supportive, and that sense of camaraderie has made the experience in most classes more rewarding.
Is there an opportunity at StFX that stands out?
Definitely the summer undergraduate research opportunities. This summer, I received the RBC Research Award, which allowed me to start working on my thesis earlier than usual. It not only helped me get ahead for my fourth year but also encouraged me to learn new research techniques that weren’t part of the curriculum, all with guidance from my supervisors.
Any advice for a first year student?
Get involved early! Talk to your professors, join a society, run in elections—whatever feels right for you. The sooner you put yourself out there, the sooner you’ll discover the many opportunities StFX has to offer, and you’ll find it much easier to make friends along the way.
