Tell us a bit about yourself, your thesis and your current position.
I'm interested in how economics and data science can help us answer policy questions - particularly in international development.
My thesis examined the relationship between sub-national governments and economic development in African regions. Specifically, I investigated what the impact and drivers of poor government quality.
I'm currently using the knowledge I developed during the PhD program in running 505 Economics. We specialise in creating spatial economic datasets. Right now, we've created the first monthly sub-national GDP dataset for 25 European countries. We've done this using machine learning and high resolution satellite imagery, and are partnering with the European Space Agency in launching this.
What skills did you gain during your PhD and how do you feel they have helped you in your professional career within and/or beyond academia?
I gained a lot of technical and theoretical skills through the PhD program - from data science/programming to economic theories. Given 505 Economics came out of our desire to commercialise our academic research, it's been essential to helping us in our professional career beyond academia.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of your PhD?
There are three things you need to do to get through a PhD. First, you need to stay motivated throughout the process. Second, you need to be self disciplined - i.e. work set hours each day and treat it like a day job. Third, have good time management skills. When you work, focus on working, when you're not working, don't think about work.
These three things are more important than 'raw intelligence', or your previous academic background.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the end of your PhD?
Enjoy the process of the PhD, and enjoy the university environment as much as you can. Workplaces don't typically resemble the dynamism of campus life.
Is there anything you wish you had done during your PhD which you didn’t?
I think everyone who finishes a PhD wishes they had learned further (technical) skills. However, you just need to realise that in many cases, a PhD is just the beginning of your learning journey.