Sam Shaw, Annabelle Oberg, and Ava Klennert represent the very best of student employment. Collectively, during their time at the BBER, these three students contributed to 14 funded research projects, authored six articles, and each conducted their own independent analyses. From navigating billion-dollar utility analyses to building economic models from scratch for Minnesota communities, these three have consistently operated with the rigor of professional consultants.

Our 2026 Graduating Seniors

Sam Shaw (Oct 2024 – May 2026) Sam joined us as a junior and quickly became a quiet leader on the team. He has been a powerhouse in data modeling, notably leading a collaborative effort with UMN Extension to develop our new Community Impact Snapshot report. His independent mind and ability to quickly pick up almost any new skill have significantly improved the quality of our research.

Annabelle Oberg (Sept 2025 – May 2026) Annabelle is a meticulous analyst and a gifted writer who contributed to five major projects during her tenure, including a survey of Duluth residents and large-scale analysis of freeway reconstruction projects for MnDOT. What stands out most about Annabelle is her initiative; she conducted a complex investigation into childcare access almost entirely on her own. Her ability to translate raw data into a polished, professional narrative with minimal oversight is a rare talent.

Ava Klennert (May 2025 – May 2026) Ava has been an invaluable partner on some of our highest-stakes projects. Whether she was digging into federal tax codes to better understand changing incentives for solar energy or leading the economic impact analysis for a $1 billion transmission line project, Ava remained the definition of calm and collected. Her dedication and professional judgment are far beyond her years, and she quickly earned the trust and respect of our entire professional staff.

The Road to Richmond

This April, all three students were selected to present their research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond, Virginia—an honor just a handful of UMD students get to experience. I asked them to share why they chose their specific research topics to present at the conference and what made the trip special.

Why They Chose Their Topics: 

Sam on his study of the Great Lakes Aquarium:

"The Great Lakes Aquarium is a popular destination that draws thousands of visitors to the region each year. I wanted to investigate the economic impact it provides through visitor spending and operations. It matters because it creates over $40 million in annual output and supports hundreds of jobs, while educating people about the ecosystems found in our region."

Annabelle on childcare availability in Minnesota:

"I chose this because childcare access isn’t just a family issue; it affects workforce participation and community well-being. The most interesting finding was that affordability is the strongest barrier to supply—counties where childcare takes up a larger share of income consistently have fewer available slots." Look for more information about Annabelle’s analysis in the coming weeks.

Ava on commercial solar in Duluth:

"Commercial properties are Duluth's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, yet solar significantly lags behind residential investment. Identifying the financial conditions that would move property owners to act is critical if Minnesota is going to meet its 100% clean energy by 2040 mandate."

Highlights from the Trip

Beyond the presentations, the trip was a celebration of their hard work. For Annabelle, the highlight was her final night spent at a rooftop restaurant with her peers, followed by a walk across the James River: "It was a great mix of good food, beautiful scenery, and spending time with others." Ava was impressed by the sheer scale of the conference: "The diversity of disciplines represented—healthcare, history, STEM, and economics—made for a really dynamic environment. I always enjoy learning from those who are passionate about their field."

Sam echoed the sentiment, noting how rewarding it was to see such a volume of undergraduate research: "It offered new perspectives and very interesting insights into how our field translates across different areas."

After Graduation

While we will miss their leadership at the BBER, we are thrilled to see where their talents take them next as they officially launch their professional careers.

• Annabelle is beginning an actuarial internship at Western National Insurance.
• Sam is seeking opportunities in Data Science and Analytics with a focus on sustainability.
• Ava is exploring roles in Economic and Community Development within the Duluth area.

To Sam, Annabelle, and Ava: Thank you for your incredible contributions to the BBER!

Congratulations, Class of 2026!