Building confidence

When Abbie Dent ’27 switched her major from biochemistry to mathematics, she didn’t expect a principles of economics course to reshape her path. Combining theory, data and real-world application sparked her curiosity.

“I wanted to do something new, and the course struck my interest immediately,” Dent recalled. Her performance in the course stood out to John Ruggiero, O’Leary Professor of Economics. After the fall 2024 semester, he invited her to work as his research assistant.

The following spring, Dent found herself balancing an exciting study abroad in Spain and learning the methods of Ruggiero’s applied economics research. Between European travels and a full semester of coursework, Dent taught herself SAS, the statistical analysis software Ruggiero uses in his performance evaluation research. A significant part of her self-study included a book chapter co-written a decade ago by Ruggiero and former student Shae Brennan ’14. 

“It was a lot,” she said, “But I knew that if I didn’t keep up with the research, I’d lose momentum.”

By the end of the semester, Dent and Ruggiero co-authored a paper evaluating player performance in the WNBA, currently under review for publication. The paper demonstrates that the models can be applied not only to the WNBA but also to other sports sectors if relevant outputs and inputs are identified. Their performance evaluation model expands alternate avenues to produce accurate sports reports.

“Interest in the WNBA has skyrocketed,” said Dent. “And with that, an increased attention in evaluating player performance.”

“Our model uses Data Envelopment Analysis, allowing us to weigh performance more meaningfully,” said Ruggiero.

Dent’s experience with the research assistantship did more than increase her technical knowledge in the field. She was able to boost her confidence and discover all she is capable of. 

“I don’t want to say research is harder than it looks, because it’s definitely hard,” she said.

“But once you start learning, you realize you can do things you never thought you were capable of.”

“It’s a matter of confidence,” Ruggiero said. “Students have the ability; they just need someone to show them they can surpass their own expectations.”

Dent’s confidence carried her into her summer research internship with the Air Force at nearby Wright State University. The coding and research skills she mastered in the spring found new contexts for real-world applications.

“The tools I learned with my research apprenticeship are super transferable, and having that foundation made a huge difference,” said Dent.

Back on campus this fall, Dent is continuing her work with Ruggiero, including co-drafting a book chapter and expanding their performance evaluation model and its applications. She’s not sure what is in store for her future–economics, math or technology–but she feels she is ready for any of it.

“So many doors have been opened from this experience,” she said. “I would encourage other undergrads to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, even if they're intimidated. You’re capable of more than you think.”