2024 cohort

Clockwise: Jeffrey Clark; João Quelhas; Mojtaba Mahdipour; Tzu-Hsi ”Jessie” Chen; Marie Kaul; Parijat Maitra. Photos: Private

Jeffrey Clark

I’m really excited to be pursuing my PhD at Stockholm University

I come from Sweden and earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stockholm School of Economics. Before joining the PhD program, I worked as a research assistant for one year at Swedish House of Finance and another year at Stockholm University, where I contributed to the Aerial History Project.

My research interests lie in development economics and geospatial methods. I also have a subtle but persistent interest in Swedish registry data.

So far, I have been really enjoying the collaborative environment at the department as well as working closely with the cohort, which has been a fantastic experience.

Outside of academics, I am passionate about coding, regularly finding myself in small side projects and hackathons. I also enjoy learning languages, primarily studying Russian and Mandarin.

I’m really excited to be pursuing my PhD at Stockholm University.

João Quelhas

I am looking forward to be part of the dynamic, supportive, and inspiring research environment

I am originally from Porto, in Portugal. Prior to joining this program, I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics at Nova School of Business and Economics and I worked as an economist at Banco de Portugal.

Broadly speaking, I am interested in macroeconomics, monetary policy, and public economics.

I am looking forward to explore these subjects and be part of the dynamic, supportive, and inspiring research environment at SU. At the same time, I hope to enjoy the wonderful city of Stockholm and everything it has to provide.

I really enjoy watching and playing football, going to the cinema, and be close to the beach! Hopefully, always with good friends and a fresh beer!

Mojtaba Mahdipour

Being at SU has been a long-time goal of mine

My name is Mojtaba, which means ”the chosen one” (similar to the concept in Harry Potter). I’m from Siahkal, a beautiful, green city in the north of Iran. I hold a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and a master’s degree in economics, both obtained in Iran.

Before starting my PhD at SU, I worked as a researcher at the Sustainable Development School and as a Research Assistant at IIES. My primary research interests lie in development economics, particularly in gender inequalities and education.

Being at SU has been a long-time goal of mine, and I’m eager to make the most of this opportunity and experience. I’m really happy to be part of such a great cohort as well.

Beyond economics, I enjoy spending time with my wife, who is also my best friend, whether we’re walking, watching movies, or enjoying good food (particularly lasagna and pizza). Additionally, I really enjoy spending time with people who keep their inner child alive.

Parijat Maitra

I am really looking forward to be a part of the rather lively, supportive, and inspiring research environment

I was born in Calcutta, and I earned my master’s degree in economics from the Barcelona School of Economics, and the Paris School of Economics. Before joining the PhD. program, I worked as a research assistant at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra for two years. I am principally interested in working at the intersection of Health, Political, Gender and Development Economics.

In my leisure time I like to read, take really long (and that’s a very important qualifier) walks, and explore museums (I am rather fond of old things; they comfort me).

I am really looking forward to be a part of the rather lively, supportive, and inspiring research environment at SU.

Marie Kaul

I’m excited to become an active member of this community

I’m Marie, and I’m originally from Germany. Before the PhD I completed my bachelor’s and master’s in the UK and then spent two years working as a research assistant.

My research interests lie (broadly speaking) in public economics, and in particular, anything related to housing. My favorite kinds of papers combine reduced form evidence with a structural model, and on occasion, I have been known to gush over the merits of structural estimation.

In my real life, I love to read (big Jane Austen fan), listen to silly podcasts (my current favorite is Celebrity Memoir Bookclub), and bake banana bread.

I’m excited to join the economics department at SU and become an active member of this community!

Jessie Chen

I look forward to the coming years of learning and exploring

My name is Jessie, and I’m from Taiwan. I previously studied at National Taiwan University and the Stockholm School of Economics.

Prior to starting as a PhD student, I worked as a research assistant here at the Department of Economics on projects related to health and public economics.

Broadly speaking, I am interested in topics surrounding gender and family, as well as their policy implications.

In my free time, I enjoy playing table tennis, traveling, and solving jigsaw puzzles. I look forward to the coming years of learning and exploring in Stockholm University’s vibrant research environment!

The rest of the cohort

Paola Giannattasio

Joakim Jigling

Maria Martinho

Edvin Wastegård

Jiaqi Yang