Author: Dee Shore

Sep 18, 2012

N.C. State gets new plant scientist, expands at N.C. Research Campus

N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute continues its expansion efforts by adding another established scientist to its team at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis. Dr. Tzung-Fu Hsieh (pronounced: “Zung Foo Shay”) joined the institute in August 2012 and is developing a research program centered on the biological systems of flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables. With the addition of Hsieh, N.C. State now employs nearly 50 faculty and staff in Kannapolis. 

Sep 18, 2012

QE benefits

The Federal Reserve has enacted a couple of QE, or quantitative easing, programs in recent years. And they may be ready to embark on another. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what quantitative easing is and outlines the benefits. 

Sep 17, 2012

Areas of agreement

There seems to be nothing but disagreement over what should be done about the economy. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there are some areas that economists and policymakers agree on. 

Sep 14, 2012

It paid to be small

It’s commonly thought that big companies can survive adversity better than small firms. Big companies have more resources and perhaps better access to credit for loans in tough times. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether this conventional wisdom was true in the past recession. 

Sep 13, 2012

Measuring poverty

Poverty rates have risen about 4 percentage points in the last decade, with the 2010 measure standing at near 15 percent. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says that analysts don’t think this is an adequate measure of poverty. 

Sep 12, 2012

Better than it looks?

Recently the July jobs report for North Carolina was released. And the headlines didn’t look good. The statewide unemployment rate rose from 9.4 percent to 9.6 percent. But was there any good news in the report? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Sep 11, 2012

An economic lesson

A new semester has started at N.C. State University, with many students eager to learn about economics. Dr. Mike Walden, a professor of agricultural and resource economics, explains what he teaches these students about interest rates. 

Sep 10, 2012

Alternative approaches to Medicare

One of the emerging issues in the national political campaign is Medicare. Medicare provides financial help to the elderly for healthcare expenses. It’s a very large program that many argue is growing too fast to be sustainable. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at some of the alternative ideas for addressing Medicare costs. 

Sep 9, 2012

A Philosophical Approach

Deanna Osmond carries on the Extension traditions of improving lives and using science to help people make informed decisions. 

Sep 7, 2012

Benefits of public schools

Schools have opened all over the country. How can we evaluate public education’s impact? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.