Breanna Masterson

I am a dedicated and passionate undergraduate student double-majoring in mathematics and applied economics at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have started building my hard-research skills, and I am preparing to conduct original thesis research with a particular interest in economic policy analysis. I hope to attend law and graduate school upon graduation, enrolling in a dual (JD/Ph.D.) degree program with economics as my Ph.D. emphasis.

Aug 2020 — Present Presidential Scholar

• As the top-tiered scholarship-holder at the university, affiliated with the Honors College, being a Presidential Scholar is not only an academic honor, but it also encourages holistic learning through the Honors College living, learning, community (LLC) approach.

Apr 2021 Most Outstanding Freshman Recognition

• I was chosen as the top finalist from the university's outstanding freshman finalist pool, recognizing my involvement, academic, and service efforts at the university.

Aug 2020 — Present President's List

• I have been on the President's List, signifying the completion of a semester with a 4.0

Jan 2023 - Present, President of Order of Omega

• Order of Omega a is a Greek-affiliated honorary society comprised of the top five percent of affiliated students by GPA. As President, I schedule, plan, and execute all society meetings alongside overseeing any programming or philanthropy events.

Jan 2023 - Present, Director of Career and Personal Development of Chi Omega

• I read over any application materials members need to be edited and proofread. I also help find jobs, internships, and other professional postings for members. I oversee a team of positions that offer wellness, developmental, and educational programming to Chi Omega and help with every step of event planning.

May 2023 - Present, President of the USM Economics Club

• Oversees all communications for the economics club and coordinates any programming efforts.

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023, Treasurer of Chi Omega

• I oversaw and managed over 150+ accounts with the chapter. I was responsible for any purchasing, reimbursement, philanthropic, and billing operations. I brought a great deal of financial transparency to the chapter.

May 2022 - May 2023, Vice President of the Honors College Leadership Council's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team (EDIT)

• I implemented D.E.I. (diversity, equity, and inclusion) training and created workshops and advocacy newsletters for the Honors College. I also hosted programming events with the intention of creating an inclusive, informed community in the Honors College.

Apr 2022 - Apr 2023, Student Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi

• I oversee the tapping of and induction of new Phi Kappa Phi honor society members. Only taking the top 7.5% of the senior class, Phi Kappa Phi is one of the oldest and best honor societies in the United States.

Mar 2022, "Escaping from Exile Island: A Guide to Including Others as the Un-included"

• Presented at the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop Conference (SROW).
• University of South Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina
• Discussed how to lead confidently as an introverted person and gave recommendations on how to stay authentic to oneself while offering comfort and inclusion to students as an introverted orientation leader.

Apr 2023, "Segregationist Education and Lasting Labor Effects"

• Presented at the Undergraduate Symposium (UGS)
• University of Southern Mississippi; Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Presented original research investigating the interaction between segregationist education, labor outcomes, and wage differentials for black Americans in 1940 America.