Lifelong Lerner: Gerald Ipapa

Gerald Ipapa photo

A native of Busia, Kenya, Gerald Ipapa is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an economics Ph.D.

Ipapa was nominated for this series by Professor of Economics, Chairperson Adrienne Lucas, who said, “Gerald Ipapa is a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Economics at the University of Delaware. He received his MS in Economics and Applied Econometrics at the University of Delaware in 2021, MA in International Development at Georgetown University in 2019, BS in Mathematics and Statistics at Egerton University in 2010, and expected to receive his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Delaware in 2024. He studies development economics with a focus on education, health, environment, and labor.”

In this profile, Ipapa shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.

Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?

Ipapa: Extensively updated my view of the world and how I think about global economic issues.

Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?

Ipapa: As a doctoral student, striking schoolwork vs. life balance and dealing with unforeseen life-threatening major events were the primary challenges. Being intentional helped overcome the former. Leaning on family and community helped in dealing with the latter.

Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why? 

Ipapa: UD creamery and economics department seminars.

Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience? 

Ipapa: Adrienne Lucas was an integral part of my UD experience. As my advisor, her insights, suggestions, and guidance were invaluable as I wrote my dissertation. Her support and encouragement, amidst incredible challenges, kept me going and focused.

Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?

Ipapa: The Lerner experience is ingrained in me forever. A constant reminder that learning continues, constantly updating knowledge throughout my lifetime.

Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?

Ipapa: From an instructor standpoint, I would encourage them to strike a schoolwork and life balance to optimize the UD experience.

Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?

Ipapa: I will be a Postdoc at Georgetown University.

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