A new group of research associates (RAs) joins the Economic Research team every year, bringing fresh perspectives and an excitement to learn from professional economists and others working at the SF Fed.
At the same time as the new group arrives, the RAs who have been working in Research over the past two years will be leaving to take their next steps, pursuing new paths and opportunities.
Aren Yalcin will be attending the London School of Economics for a year-long master’s program in econometrics and mathematical economics. Upon completion, he intends to take on an economic research role in industry and then attend a PhD program in economics.
Aren said, “Working at the SF Fed showed me how economic research can help inform policy recommendations and how policy work can in turn inspire research ideas. For this reason, I intend to combine academic research with various policy and industry roles throughout my career. I am interested in macroeconomics, time-series econometrics, and international finance.”
Brandon Miskanic will be attending the University of Rochester for a PhD in economics. He said, “I hope to become a professor researching labor economics. As for my time at the SF Fed, I would highlight the closeness of the RAs and how it has felt like a family.”
Valeska Fresquet Kohan is interested in environmental urban economics and will start a PhD at UC Berkeley. Valeska said, “I come to work to find three things: questions, community, and answers. At the SF Fed, I learned that the second is crucial to finding the last. I am lucky to develop as a researcher surrounded by curious peers and mentors who have inspired and guided me along the way. I hope to use this experience as an example to build such learning communities in my next steps.”
River Bell will pursue a PhD at UC Berkeley to study the economics of environmental inequality. They intend to contribute to policymaking through rigorous quantitative research. River said, “During my time in San Francisco, I have enjoyed mentorship from brilliant economists as well as collaboration with a truly talented cohort of research associates. I am grateful that these past few years have empowered me to continue my education across the Bay.”
Christian Hilgemann will be attending Harvard University for a PhD in economics. He also received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship with a proposal to study the potential for water markets to enable agricultural adaptation to climate change. Christian said, “I appreciated the opportunity to study interactions between the global economy, climate systems, and the environment.”
Cheikh Fall intends to enroll in MIT’s PhD program in economics. Cheikh said, “My time at the SF Fed played a crucial role in my decision to pursue a research career. I’m especially grateful for the mentorship of the economists I worked with and for the collaborative, supportive community fostered by my fellow RAs.”
Caroline Paulson will be attending Emory University School of Law in the fall. She has received the Dean’s Scholarship for Excellence. Caroline said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the SF Fed – due in large part to the community of RAs and support from economists. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on insightful and topical research, and I believe it will shape my interests for years to come.”
Lora Dufresne is working as a research analyst in the Consumer Finance Institute at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Lora said, “My time at the SF Fed was meaningful and formative. The position allowed me to explore my research interests, build upon my analysis skills, and gain valuable technical and interpersonal skills that will serve as a foundation for my career. The mentorship and support from both economists and fellow RAs helped guide me to a role where I can continue to pursue research through a new lens.”
We offer our congratulations and appreciation and wish the best of luck to all the research associates on their future paths.
See “Charting Their Course” from last year here.
Featured photo of research associates (clockwise from left to right) Cheikh Fall, Valeska Fresquet Kohan, Caroline Paulson, Christian Hilgemann, Aren Yalcin, Aditi Poduri, River Bell, Deepika Baskar Prabhakar, and Brandon Miskanic, who are heading out for new paths and opportunities after two years working with the SF Fed Economic Research Department.
Photo by Sean Qui.
The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the management of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.