The University of Denver Convocation honored Josef Korbel School Professor Ilene Grabel with the University Lecture award on October 5, 2011, an award given in recognition of scholarly achievements. Professor Grabel is scheduled to give her lecture on May 3, 2012.

The University Lecture award is given in recognition of superlative creative and scholarly work. What are you researching?
Grabel: I'm working on a few projects, mostly involving the global financial crisis. I'm examining the effect the financial crisis is having on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). How it's bringing about changes in the governance structure of IMF. I'm also researching the way that the crisis has influenced the policy choices of developing countries. My third project is looking at the issue of the currency war – how the crisis in creating tensions among countries about currency values.

I also contribute to the blog TripleCrisis.com, which 30 to 40 economists from around the world contribute to. It's a popular forum for me to diffuse my research and a nice way to get feedback.

Why do you teach?
Grabel: I'm interested in the world and in international economic policy. I enjoy talking with students about what interests me. I'm very passionate about bringing what's going on in the world into the classroom. It's heartening for me to see how many students succeed after graduation. It's very gratifying.

What do you hope students take from your classes?
Grabel: I want students to feel empowered by the international economy. I want them to have the tools to understand what will go on in the economy. This empowerment and literacy are very important to me. These will allow the students to improve the human condition and improve international economic policies.

How did you end up teaching at the Josef Korbel School?
Grabel: I was attracted to the opportunity to teach here for many reasons. I like how the school is very interdisciplinary. The classes and research opportunities are more policy focused and that was very attractive. Also, the international nature of the school and students is very appealing.

Do you have any recommendations on how to resolve the global financial crisis?
Grabel: We need to begin moving away from financial policies of the past and experiment with macroeconomic policies that are more consistent with development aspirations. The financial crisis has at least led to more pluralism in global economic governance such as with the rise of the G-20 in lieu of the G-8.

Professor Lynn Holland, also of the Josef Korbel School, was honored at the Convocation with the Excellence in Teaching award.

- M. Schwinn, MA Candidate, International Security