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Photo of Perry Ferrell with a desk he built

The Economics of Ergonomics

The Economics of Ergonomics

A Chambers College student can become anything. Like his father before him, Economics Ph.D. graduate Perry Ferrell became a carpenter.

A former Economics professor, Ferrell found himself growing tired of the sedentary lifestyle. Inspired to stand up and use his hands for something other than typing, he drew on a combination of what he’d learned from his father and what he’d taught himself to produce what he called the Pheral Desk.

“After completing the desk, I realized I had something scalable,” Ferrell wrote on his website. “I can't be the only person who wants a little class in their home office, right?"

That led Ferrell to start his own business, Pheral Designs, so he could bring custom furniture to consumers. With an emphasis on creating aesthetically-pleasing home offices, his signature products include standing desks and accompanying storage, as well as cabinetry and other custom furniture.

“The biggest benefit of my time in grad school was self-directed study,” Ferrell said. “There’s always a new skill to learn. I’m problem-solving every day, and the ability to teach myself, which the Economics Ph.D. program fostered, has been invaluable.”

Need help? Just AeSC!

The Becker Academic Engagement Success Center (AeSC) – named after alumni W. Marston “Marty” and Katherine Becker – supports students through peer-assisted tutoring, mentoring and career coaching, equipping them with real-world professional soft and hard skills so they have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

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Take Stock

Worried about a looming recession and what to do with your money? Hold steady on those investment plans, advises Alexander Kurov, professor and Fred T. Tattersall research chair in finance. In an article penned for The Conversation, Kurov writes “Stick to your long-term plan and ignore day-to-day market fluctuations, however frightening they may be. Don’t take my word for it. The tried and true approach of passive investing is backed up by a lot of evidence.” To dive into the full article, go to go.wvu.edu/kurov.

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When Life Hands You Lemons

In September 2019, our CEO Club donated the money from its Lemonade Day, which was held spring 2019, to WVU Medicine Children’s. Not only did local Morgantown kids learn how to run a profitable lemonade stand, but they were also able to support a great cause that will go on to help other children in our community.

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From Business to Blankets

For over a decade, Mountaineers have become Blanketeers. 

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February Research Successes

Our roundup of Chambers College research publications, media appearances, awards, achievements and other noteworthy tidbits.

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