Kasia Jasiniewska: an ambassador for student research at Warwick

The Department of Economics wishes to congratulate Kasia Jasiniewska, final year Modern Languages and Economics student, for promoting excellence of student research at Warwick Research CelebrationLink opens in a new window event on 29 April 2024 and for showcasing it at the national Posters in Parliament event earlier this year.

Kasia Jasiniewska was selected to represent ‘Student Research at Warwick’ at the Celebration of Warwick Research event, based on her excellent undergraduate research, which had previously been chosen as one of two Warwick submissions to the national Posters in Parliament event this year. Professor Jane Bryan, one of the organisers of the Warwick Research Celebration event said: "Kasia spoke confidently and knowledgeably about her research at both events. She is a great ambassador for student research at Warwick."

Kasia’s research looked at “The impact of the 1999 Polish education reform: did the socio-economic disparities in academic achievements narrow?”. This research is of particular importance considering the significance of education for social progress and economic development. Kasia’s findings suggest that the Reform had a substantial positive impact on academic performance in Poland, especially for the top ten percentiles of the socioeconomic spectrum, thereby not effectively narrowing the achievement gap. Additionally, the model shows evidence of temporal dynamics, with the effects being most pronounced six to nine years after the Reform. This delayed response emphasizes the need for long-term evaluations to understand the complex impacts of educational policies on academic achievement across socioeconomic groups.

Kasia presenting her research at the Posters in Parliament event

“Nowadays, most of us have access to data, but the key is how we use it to explain a broader, more complex picture. My studies in the Economics Department, particularly the econometrics course, equipped me with the essential skills to tackle the most intriguing unanswered questions. I am grateful and proud to represent the impactful work of the Warwick undergraduate community, contributing to our understanding of the changing world around us.”

- Kasia Jasiniewska

As a final year student, Kasia is a great advocate for undertaking research as part of an undergraduate course, raising awareness amongst many staff and senior leaders at Warwick and beyond about the importance of encouraging students to undertake research as part of their university education.