Dr. Ayoub Rabhi

Dr. Ayoub Rabhi

Dr. Ayoub Rabhi holds a PhD in Economics. He joined the International University of Rabat- Sciences Po as an assistant professor of economics. At Sciences Po Rabat, he teaches economics, statistics, finance, and economic policy. As a researcher, he is interested in economic and financial issues with the application of econometric modeling. Ayoub has participated in numerous international symposiums and has published more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles. His latest work focused on modeling the impact of government interventions on economic uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

I was drawn to the Society by the quality of the conferences, the speakers, and the members alike, along with the opportunity to publish papers post-conference.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

Currently, I am investigating the outcomes of economic policies in developing countries and how these policies interact with different sustainable development objectives, such as reducing poverty, addressing inequality, and mitigating climate change.

The reason I have chosen to study these issues is deeply personal. As someone from a developing country, I am motivated by the recognition that these nations confront multiple challenges concurrently and, therefore, necessitate tailored policies to foster sustainable development.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

Doubt is an inherent element of academic research and it will persist unless we dispel it. Blending curiosity with the dedication of both time and effort can help overcome this challenge. Without such an approach, the doubts persist.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I plan to focus my research on development issues in African countries. I’m motivated by the unique challenges they face and the need for tailored solutions. My goal is to find practical ways to support sustainable and equitable growth in these regions.

What’s your favorite hobby?

I enjoy travelling as well as discovering and experiencing new cultures.

Shawn Simpson

Shawn Simpson

Shawn Simpson is the Business Manager and a Ph.D. Finance Candidate at Morgan State University. Throughout his tenure, he has continually expressed a genuine interest and curiosity in specific areas of finance including investment research, risk management, exogenous shocks, market efficiency, derivatives, capital allocation decisions, financial inclusion, and financial regulation.

Shawn has completed and presented three research papers at three separate conferences. All three research papers have been submitted for publication. In addition, he teaches two separate finance courses. Shawn also has work experience in the field of finance. His experience stems from working as an investment consultant, senior loan consultant, financial analyst, financial manager and, most recently, business manager. Shawn is a Ph.D. Finance Candidate while also working full-time as the Business Manager for Morgan State University.

Shawn teaches several courses that cover a variety of topics that include bond evaluation, equity evaluation, financial statement analysis, risk and return, market efficiency, time value of money, capital investment decisions, and leverage. He has significant experience assessing and analyzing budgets, funding sources, and grant requirements, using due diligence.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

As a Ph.D. Finance Candidate, I saw joining the International Atlantic Economic Society as an excellent opportunity to interact and learn from economists, finance professionals, and government employees on a global scale. This allows members to obtain feedback from a variety of perspectives not only locally, but internationally. Having research interests in topics that include investment research, risk management, exogenous shocks, market efficiency, derivatives, capital allocation decisions, financial inclusion, and financial regulation aligns with the scholarly research that the IAES publishes. I presented my research at the Fall 2022 International Atlantic Economic Conference in Washington, DC and received valuable feedback. I have been a member of the IAES ever since. I look forward to future conferences and publications.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

I am currently working on my dissertation. It includes a total of three essays. These essays examine financial inclusion when preparing for retirement, performance of fixed-income portfolios during times of increasing inflation, and pricing and performance of treasury-inflation protected securities (TIPS) with both dynamic interest rates and inflation. The literature suggests that approximately 30% of consumers are not participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans. In addition, investors face heterogeneous inflation needs which TIPS may not cover. These are the primary motivating factors that inspired me to research in these areas.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

My advice to anyone who is considering pursuing a Ph.D. or research position would be to have a genuine curiosity for the concentration/topic that you select. Having a desire to learn more about the field or particular areas within that field will help motivate you to take a deep dive into research. Always keep an open mind which will allow you to remove any biases when researching. It is exciting to explore new findings and convey the results through presentations and publications. The variety of available data types facilitates the analysis of research projects research projects. There are plenty of opportunities to explore and conduct research, so do not constrain yourself! Explore and enjoy!

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I am interested in the following areas: digital currencies, financial inclusion, investor protection, and healthcare finance. These areas interest me based on the potential impact that they have on the economy.

What’s your favorite hobby?

My hobby is to read the latest research in the field of finance and economics. I like to see how researchers pursue their ideas and convey their results. I like attending conferences to interact with researchers. I also enjoy analyzing companies and financial securities. Besides finance and economics, I like to workout at the gym and travel.

Russell T. Clements

Russell T. Clements

Russell T. Clements graduated from Christopher Newport College (now Christopher Newport University) in Newport News, VA, in December of 1988. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration (with a concentration in Economics). He joined the IAES before graduation after being recommended by members of the CNC faculty. He also graduated with an MBA from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg in May of 1991. Mr. Clements worked as analyst at various companies, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Newport News Shipbuilding.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

While attending W&M, I was able to attend an IAES conference held in Williamsburg.  I met Dr. John Virgo and many others while attending various panels.  My work was never directly in the field of economics, but I was an analyst in various jobs of progressive responsibility at two companies.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

From a purely economic standpoint, I am currently interested in labor rate participation and the labor market composition.  Recently, I was watching Good Morning America, and the headline news said that, per the New York Federal Reserve, total national debt was $17.5 trillion and total credit card debit was $1.13 trillion.  The reporter mentioned both how strong 4th quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was (3.3%) and that there were record highs in the stock market, but questioned why Americans are pessimistic on the economy.  The increase in debt is fueling GDP. The debt increase is fueled by both the low labor participation rate and the composition of the labor market.  Americans are working longer, returning to work after retiring and filing for disability after they are laid-off (but not while working).  The composition of the labor market needs to be analyzed and that does not mean cut taxes, impose tariffs, or increase social welfare benefits.  It means we need to analyze and address the issues plaguing our economy (which may include doing some form of those three items).

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

The advice I would offer anyone starting out is to do what you enjoy, then it won’t seem like work. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions and integrate the answers into the conversation.  You lead from in front, but you need others with you in order to be a leader.  Economic research (or any research or indeed any work) requires a team approach, and it is easy … ask, listen, share, and document, document, document.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I retired at the age of 50 after making a series of income-oriented investments in the stock market.  Specifically, I invested in a number of closed-end mutual funds, which I then reinvested while working. Now I enjoy the income.  I did not pursue capital gains, I pursued compounding rates of return.  A personal belief of mine is that anybody can succeed financially.  Do not chase the brass ring, i.e., gold, crypto, small cap, etc.  You can do those things as a small part of a portfolio, but you can also go to Las Vegas or buy lottery tickets if you want.  Fun is not a strategy.  Nor is “taking a chance” because “it was worth a shot”.

What’s your favorite hobby?

My singular hobby is reading, and this morning I purchased TIME magazine.  The cover discusses 18 leaders who are working to close the racial wealth gap.  Without reading anything else, I have several questions and ideas, but would still focus on the composition of the labor market.  We should encourage people to get a job and then work to get a better job.  As a society, we should work to improve education. We need more minority doctors. Also, I understand that there are still thousands of unfilled jobs requiring a commercial driver’s license.

Dr. Susan Sundai Charowedza-Muzorewa

Dr. Susan Sundai Charowedza-Muzorewa

Dr. Susan Sundai Charowedza-Muzorewa is a tenured Associate Professor of Accounting at Delaware State University, USA. She holds a PhD in Business Administration (Accounting) from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. She is a CPA (inactive), certified by the state of Pennsylvania. Her research interests are in Financial Reporting, Earnings Management, Capital Markets, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Economic Development. She has published articles in Journal of Business and Behavioral Science, Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, Review of Accounting and Finance, Journal of Business, Economics and Technology. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Muzorewa worked in the industry as an Accountant, an Auditor, a Market Researcher and as a Management Consultant in the economic development area. She sits on the boards of several companies. Dr. Muzorewa is actively involved in empowering members of her community.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

Sustainable economic development has always been an area of interest in my research agenda. Being an accountant made it somewhat difficult for me to be fully engaged in economics research. I like being a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society because the society provides a platform that allows economists and non-economists to communicate. I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to fare among economists, I am comfortable at accounting conferences.  I had a wonderful time at the IAES 2023 Philadelphia conference. I felt welcome, I was encouraged, and I received valuable feedback from the participants including from distinguished economists. I have learned a lot from interacting with economists on this platform. I am now pursuing an area that interests me and that’s why I decided to join the IAES.   I look forward to attending future conferences.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

The increasing level of poverty in Africa contrasted with the economic growth in other parts of the world is what motivates me to pursue this type of research.  Growing up I wanted to become an economist. Economics was the major that I declared when I enrolled in college.  However, accounting was much much easier for me so I switched to  accounting and minored in economics. Working as a consultant on poverty alleviation projects funded by The World Bank, The UN, USAID and other European countries reignited my interest in economics. This also exposed me to a variety of tools that can be employed to alleviate poverty. I believe sustainable economic development and poverty eradication is achievable. Some of the tools involve training managers and entrepreneurs and providing technical assistance to  small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The literature notes that 90% of businesses worldwide are SMEs making them major contributors to the economic growth of their countries through job creation. The cutting-edge resources and programs used for economic growth are often not available to the SMEs in developing countries. Access to finance, for example, is still very limited due to the costs associated with providing financing to the SMEs. Thus, there is need to design and implement new and disruptive ideas and business models to enable meaningful access to the resources needed for sustainable economic growth.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

I would advise anyone to find their true passion and follow it. Sometimes you make this discovery after studying a different discipline. Do not confine yourself to the studied discipline. Be brave enough to transition to your passion.  However, you need to get a true intellectual mastery of the area of your passion which may mean going back to school. This will allow you to leverage a skill set and passion to make a meaningful contribution to society. I think this is an exciting time for personal growth in international economics and business. The barriers to entry to so many opportunities have been lowered, opening up areas for creativity in building practical sustainable business models in every society. There are so many tools out there and so many areas where the systems are broken. That presents opportunities for remodeling. One should actively seek seasoned mentors in the area of interest who will provide advise on how to navigate the field.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

My interests are now focused on sustainable economic development, and I will continue to work in that area. Education and information are key to sustainable development as well. Areas of business education and training are some of the areas I am planning to work on.

What’s your favorite hobby?

I have many interests. I am an avid reader whose favorite genres have changed as I progressed through life. Once upon a time, I loved crime and mysteries, then moved on to romance, then classics and biographies. Currently, I am on “peoples’ stories”, self -help books and business magazines. Thank God for Audibles, as I am now able to read and listen to more books than I have been able to do in recent years.  I also enjoy flower gardening and travel.  

Dr. Efstathia Korkou

Dr. Efstathia Korkou

Dr. Efstathia Korkou is an electrical and computer engineer holding an MBA in financial engineering and a Ph.D. in financial economics. Her research lies in the areas of behavioral finance and financial economics. Dr. Korkou is currently a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Economics in the Department of Business and Economics at the York College of the City University of New York. Dr. Korkou is also the co-PI, and co-director of the York College STEP Program, a New York State Education Department 5-year grant-funded initiative designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged junior high and high school students prepared to enter college and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, and technology related fields, and professions.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

My decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society (IAES) was influenced by the consistently positive feedback that I kept receiving from my peers at my Ph.D. Program, at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, as well as from my Ph.D. adviser, Dr. Christos Giannikos, all of whom attended past IAES conferences both in Europe and in the United States. I also wish to add that from my own experience attending my first IAES Conference, in Philadelphia, in the Fall of 2023, I was impressed by the warm welcome, the constructive feedback that I received, and the immediate sense of belonging to an international academic family.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

My primary research deals with the study and empirical measurement of gender differences in risk aversion once individuals are called to allocate their wealth and make investment and retirement decisions. My Ph.D. dissertation was also about “Gender and Financial Risk Aversion”. Thus, I always have something on the side related to studying risk aversion, which never ceases to fascinate me. For me, it is also about minorities or underrepresented groups. My academic goal is that my research to help people, and mostly groups needing the most guidance, to build sufficient financial literacy, overcome their fears or behavioral and life setbacks, and make the optimal investment, and retirement choices in this highly complicated financial world that we live in.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

My first piece of advice to aspiring scholars considering entering financial economics and behavioral finance is to pursue topics that make them the happiest and commit to these topics on a daily basis. Also, to never stop educating themselves: a new software package, any training offered by their university, the study of the latest literature are all tools that will keep them quick on their academic feet. One more piece of advice would be to send their work to conferences. The deadlines work miracles. Besides getting to travel all over the world, you build a network with people who share the same problems, and who may assist you at critical moments of your research by providing important feedback.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

Going forward, I am about to finalize a paper, in which I study the effects of COVID-19 on the economics of single-person households. This is a paper that I also presented in the Fall 2023 IAES October conference, in Philadelphia, and for which I have received some very interesting suggestions, on which my current re-work is based. Next, following two PSC-CUNY research grants that I have received, my academic goal is with my research to investigate how financial literacy affects credit card debt and credit card behaviors, as well as to explore the relationship between risk tolerance and portfolio choices of same-sex couples in comparison with other types of households.

What’s your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is a little bit weather-dependent or mood-dependent. Thus, but not necessarily in order of preference, I love swimming, riding my bicycle, making puzzles, assembling little art collages, and reading long (preferably non-linear) novels. Imagine the happiness of a day, in which I can combine most or all of the above!

Dr. Oluwasogo Adediran

Dr. Oluwasogo Adediran

Dr. Oluwasogo Adediran is an Assistant Professor and outstanding researcher in the Department of Economics and Development Studies at Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. He has executed funded research projects as an individual and team member. He is a Reviewer for many journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus. He has over 50 published articles on African Development Issues (ADI) that are mainly published in Q1 and Q2 high impact locally and globally recognised journals, and has participated in seminars, conferences, workshops and short courses around the world. His areas of expertise include International Economics, Macroeconomics, Applied Econometrics, Agricultural Value Chains and Food Security, Financial Economics, Development Economics and Sustainable Development. He is currently a Visiting Scholar in the Faculty of Management and Economics at the Universität Witten/Herdecke (UW/H), Germany. This is in addition to being a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) in Nigeria; Global Entrepreneurship Research & Innovation (GERIC), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia; The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DGF), Germany and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), Germany. He was awarded the World Academy of Science – Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (TWAS-DFG) Cooperation Visit Programme Research Grant for scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa, and currently works on the topic ‘’Finance for Sustainable Energy: Implications for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal-7 in Sub-Saharan Africa’.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

I got to know about the International Atlantic Economics Society (IAES) through one of its journals, the Atlantic Economic Journal. However, the rich and consistent contributions of IAES to the global economy discourse over the years drew me to the society. Also, of interest, are the tremendous conferences that attract attendees from all over the world who present on different research topics on global development issues. All these have jointly pushed forward some of the most insightful ideas in economics. Hence, I strongly believe this 96^th Conference will be a good opportunity to meet other economists in similar fields, collaborate with them and interact, while serving as a chair or discussant in a session. I do hope to serve on the board of IAES someday.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

The adverse effects of the recent global pandemic continue to negatively affect the global economy with ripple effects on both developing and developed economies. This pandemic challenge is adding to the usual macroeconomic issues of lower output, fluctuating GDP growth, low income and consumer demand in developing economies. As a result, many economies are still facing triple shocks resulting from the health pandemic, which include: economic disruptions from the domestic health, workplace closure, disruption in the supply chain, lockdowns in the absence of social safety nets, loss of income and heightened uncertainties. The spill-over from this pandemic, would be the adverse effects in terms of trade shocks, tighter global financial conditions and likely decrease in external investments and remittance flows following the projected slowdown in global growth.

Therefore, I am currently working on the topic ‘Finance for Sustainable Energy: The Implications for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal-7 in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is because, SSA is in a more challenging situation to access needed finances to augment the deficit in the energy sector. Renewable energy access is needed in providing basic amenities, eliminating time wastage by men, women and children in using other energy sources (fossil and biomass), and in facilitating more income opportunities in SSA. The relevance of renewable access in driving economic sustainability in SSA for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is an issue of concern in the study. Addressing this issue is imperative to explaining the relevance of renewable energy in clarifying the contribution of financial development to renewable energy attainment, drive economic sustainability and guide policy makers on better policy direction in SSA for the attainment of SDGs by 2030.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

The global economy is passing through an unprecedented phenomenon in modern history that seems to defy logic. For instance, issues around the global financial crisis, health pandemic (COVID-19), War in Ukraine and individual internal economic crisis would require more technical economic modelling and policy analysis. As a result, a prospective researcher in my field of study should try not only to develop new theoretical knowledge, but also to be intentional in conducting research that would guide policy makers and stakeholders in decision making.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I intend to seek more research grants to assist undergraduates and graduates students that I mentor who are presently lacking required skills to conduct cut-edge research. Through this, I would share my knowledge and experience to groom younger generations with dedication to the best of their abilities. Also, I am presently working on different Global Value Chains dimensions. I have worked with some colleagues recently in 2023 on the Cassava Value Chain as sponsored by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) with remarkable research output. But for now I want to focus more on other dimensions of  Global Value Chains.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Adventure. I always love to try something new.

Dr. Evelina Mengova

Dr. Evelina Mengova

Dr. Evelina Mengova earned her Ph.D. in economics from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Before that, she obtained an M.A. in economics from Central European University, studying in the United Kingdom (University of Essex) and Hungary (Budapest) for two years. She received her undergraduate degree in economics from Sofia University, Bulgaria, spending one semester at Universite des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, France, in a TEMPUS program, sponsored by the European Union.

She joined the faculty of the College of Business at Governors State University in 2011. Previously, she was teaching economics at California State University, Fullerton. She has also worked as a consultant on various projects at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

I looked at the IAES website and found the international aspect of this society very appealing. As a European, the Atlantic aspect is also very attractive to me. I saw a lot of interesting and valuable research.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

My current research explores different factors – innovation, technology, foreign direct investment, energy use and sources, and pollution – that affect investment in and production of renewable energy in various countries and regions around the world. I have also analyzed the impact of quality of institutions and legal systems in different countries on their international trade patterns, outsourcing, foreign direct investment and location of firms, and on their investment in renewable energy.

More generally I find research in the areas of International Economics, Development and renewable energy fascinating.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

Work on things that you find truly interesting and that you connect with on a deep personal level. Then it will not feel like work.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I am planning to keep working on various aspects of renewable energy, at least for the next couple of years, because I believe that is the future. Investment in renewable energy is important for advanced countries, especially given the current geo-political challenges in the world; yet it is crucial for developing countries on their way to achieve a better standard of living.

What’s your favorite hobby?

I enjoy traveling and reading.

Dr. Olga Bespalova

Dr. Olga Bespalova

Dr. Olga Bespalova is an Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, DC., where she applies her expertise in the Quantitative Studies and Methods (Econometric Modelling and Forecasting) to advance macroeconomic research, analyze macroeconomic developments, and formulate policy advice while supporting the mission of the IMF to further international monetary cooperation, encourage the expansion of trade and economic growth, and discourage policies that would harm prosperity. Olga joined the IMF while finishing her Ph.D. dissertation on “Forecast Evaluation in Macroeconomics and International Finance” at George Washington University, where she had the privilege of working with Professors renowned in the fields of Forecasting, Macroeconomics, and International Finance. Now, being an IMF economist, she continues to research in these fields to support global macro-financial stability through improving forecasting methods, monitoring financial soundness indicators, credit and business cycles, estimating growth-at-risk, and assessing reserve adequacy and external balances. Her recently published IMF papers focus on economic growth, inflation, financial sector regulations and stability, macro-financial linkages, reserve adequacy, and fintech. At the IMF, Olga is a member of working groups on macro-financial issues, fintech, and a Big Data community. She is also a member of the International Institute of Forecasters and several other reputable Economic Associations in the USA.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

I learned about the IAES around 2014 as a Ph.D. candidate at GWU’s Economics Department. The IAES provides excellent networking and knowledge exchange opportunities with a membership of accomplished economists representing academic institutions, international organizations, and government bodies worldwide. I was honored to have been invited to judge the Best Undergraduate Paper competition in 2015. The IAES allows me to stay current on the latest research and policy developments in my fields and share my research findings at conferences. I plan to attend the 96th International Atlantic Economic Conference in Philadelphia in October 2023. My goal is to increase my engagement with IAES members and foster research collaborations that contribute to advancing global macroeconomic stability and promoting cooperation across the Atlantic. I also enjoy reading the Atlantic Economic Journal and International Advances in Economic Research. I am preparing two papers for submission to these journals and would welcome the opportunity to peer-review the work of others.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

In my research, I utilize my expertise in macroeconomics, international finance, and quantitative methods to enhance methods of econometric modeling and forecasting, informing policymakers on the ways to detect macro-financial vulnerabilities, analyze linkages between realm monetary, financial, external, and fiscal sectors, and preserve macro-financial stability. My current research focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region and the USA although its approaches and insights can benefit economists worldwide.

Another research interest I have is using Google Trends and other high-frequency indicators in forecasting models. I already demonstrated their benefits for modeling and forecasting tourism arrivals, using the case of Aruba. I have also been working on enhancing ways to produce and evaluate leading macroeconomic indicators and early warning indicators of financial crisis episodes, including textual analysis of the central bank communications, and results of the qualitative surveys. I am currently extending my dissertation research on this subject to several surveys of the US economy, showing their benefits for predicting movements in the US real output and consumption. In another paper related to this area, I investigate the predictability of currency crisis episodes.

While at the Fund, I also became zealous about advancing financial sector policies to promote and analyze its linkages with the other sectors of the macroeconomy and encourage macro-financial stability. Already having utilized the growth-at-risk methodology to analyze macro-financial linkages in three countries, I am now writing a paper highlighting its forecasting and policy benefits, with a broad application to the LAC region. I am also expanding my recent work on inflation drivers to a wider set of LAC countries.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

The role of the Economist at the IMF is highly competitive. Only a couple dozen from thousands of applicants worldwide join the Fund every year. Getting the Economist job offer from the IMF requires years of hard work, preparation, and dedication. To qualify for a pool of applicants, one usually must have a Ph.D. in Economics from a reputable university, have written several research papers, and know statistical software and programming languages. Proficiency in foreign languages other than English, especially those recognized as official by the United Nations, is also an advantage. Once short-listed and chosen for a panel interview, one must prove strong knowledge of Macroeconomics and International Economics and familiarity with the IMF policies and flagship publications (i.e., World Economic Outlook, Financial Stability Report, and Fiscal Outlook). Finally, once lucky to join the Fund, one must excel in independent research – from collecting data to coding in statistical software, analyzing results, and writing papers – as well as in teamwork and collaborative projects. IMF economists are expected to continue expanding their knowledge through many internal training programs and seminars, present their research, and comment on the documents written by peers. To those still in college, I suggest taking a heavy load of math, statistics, and economics courses, including those offered by the IMF through edX, and learning at least one foreign language. Finally, remember that being Economist at the IMF is not just a job but a passion, a career, and a unique lifestyle. This position entails extensive business travel and frequently demands additional work hours. However, the opportunity to interact with influential government officials and financial regulators worldwide, and the ability to shape their policies through research, analysis, discussions, and presentations, offers an immensely gratifying experience that is hard to beat.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

As a member of the IMF Fintech group, I am also working on the issues of digital revolution and cross-border payments integration in LAC countries. Combining my passion for studying fintech innovations with my interest in using Google Trends statistics, I want to build a panel dataset measuring crypto investments worldwide. My long-term goal is to author a book on forecasting in macroeconomics and international finance, summarizing the latest advances in the field and providing practical guidance to both students and professionals alike.

What’s your favorite hobby?

I love traveling, both domestically within the USA and internationally. When visiting a new place, I like to attend local art galleries and museums, see a theatrical show or a concert, eat in an authentic restaurant, and visit a natural habitat scene specific to that region. I also enjoy learning languages, continuing to polish my Spanish, and taking on French as a new challenge. Finally, I want to stay physically active – walking, swimming, Latin dance lessons, and playing badminton give me the necessary exercise and help to relax. Finally, I like books, both in hard copy and audio formats. My latest reading is “Constitution of the United States and Other Classic American Documents” by Fall River Press.

Dr. Basheer Oshodi

Dr. Basheer Oshodi

Dr. Basheer Oshodi holds a PhD in integral economic development and Islamic finance from DaVinci Institute for Technology Management, South Africa in conjunction with the Trans4m Center for Integral Development, Geneva. Dr. Oshodi has over 23-years’ work experience in banking, real estate and academia. He is a co-founder of TrustArthur as well as a Director of Al-Aahil Homes and Principal of a UK Shariah-compliant Real Estate Fund.  He was a member of the Non-Interest Finance Working Group  and the Securities Exchange Commission Alternative Finance Market Master Plan Committee. Dr. Oshodi was the head of Non-Interest Finance, head of Research at Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access, and head of Islamic Banking Risk & Compliance at Stanbic IBTC Bank. He also initiated products compliant with non-interest finance principles for Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd. Dr. Oshodi also worked as an investment analyst and business analyst in other capacities.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

First, the IAES has involved in its activities some of the the most renowned researchers in the world; those that perfectly combine research with economic policies and have been involved in the implementation of policies worldwide. Many of them have served in government, international organizations, and/or international financial institutions and they have contributed immensely to the development of academics and overall global policy improvement. Second, I worked on a 2014 research article (on the use of cooperative inquiry and phenomenology in financial institutions). A member of IAES reached out asking why I was not a member of the association. I immediately joined and took part in some of the IAES conferences. I did this because I realized how important it is to be a part of elite research endeavors.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

I am currently working on a book entitled Integral Financial Models. The reason behind this is to document my banking proficiency and to create a work on the foundations of phenomenology and critical realism. The study reflects my work experience and cases in (among other things): financial models, risk management, implementation of business transactions, experience gained because of being involved in financial transactions mainly in the non-interest/Islamic finance space, different aspects of equity and debts, infrastructural finance, impact finance, developmental finance, corporate investment finance and, of course, retail finance (mainly in an African context).  My motivation is to document this experience so that it can become a subject of further research. I am also developing a new index to measure socioeconomic aspects of the primary purpose of the Shariah.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

The advice I would give is to document your experience, make practical banking and finance researchable, and convert experience to data. Researchers should be involved in the kind of research that can be implemented within the realm of reality. I have attended a number of academic programs and found a strong zeal among researchers to merely create theoretical frameworks/models without a plan to practically test or actualize such studies.  When asked ‘why are you doing this’, they answer ‘I just want to demonstrate that this model can exist’. In reality, they do not have a path towards actualizing such, and as a result, expect that this theoretical framework will be created for future generations to explore further. My advice is more towards what I describe as integral actual research which is a research model that allows one to not only create models but implement them. In the same vein, those that have practical experience would also need to combine such with academic research. In this way, the fruits of academic and practical research can crystalize in the laboratory or workplace, which can improve research centers.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I would like to further explore research in the emerging, southern hemisphere and/or struggling economies where socioeconomic prescriptions have not yielded the expected transformational reforms.  Then, I will research any conflicts or diversity through which bad politics neutralize the core economic growth trajectory. There is a gap that needs to be filled, an expanding void, if you will. In a bid to fill that void, I have found a great need to redesign the research path for emerging economies. Perhaps learning from the research done by the more industralised nations and being able to fashion new theoretical frameworks will help with the practical realities that will be necessary to design the financial and economic prescriptions required to take emerging economies/struggling economies out of the woods. In other words, I wish to conduct some kind of unique integral research application designed to solve the real socioeconomic challenges/problems of these priority economies. If Malaysia, China and Rwanda can re-invent and blossom, why can’t others?

What’s your favorite hobby?

My main hobby is to meditate, to think deeply about ways to solve global issues, which can be described as part of energizing my burning desires; a union of the spiritual, the intellect, and the human self. I also like to travel and watch movies and documentaries.

Dr. Hakan Yilmazkuday

Dr. Hakan Yilmazkuday is a professor of economics at Florida International University (FIU) and a faculty fellow at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. Focusing on areas such as international economics, regional economics, macroeconomics, COVID-19, together with growth and development, he has published more than 85 articles in refereed academic journals. He is a consultant to the World Bank and a contributing partner of the Center for International Price Research. He is also affiliated with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Globalization and Monetary Policy Institute as a research associate. He has served as the Executive Secretary of the International Economics and Finance Society. Dr. Yilmazkuday’s research has also been funded by the National Science Foundation.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

As an active academic researcher, I am interested in learning about a broad set of topics within the field of Economics. The International Atlantic Economic Society (IAES) is a perfect venue for providing several opportunities in this context, including multiple conferences per year and multiple academic journals.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

I am currently working on the spread and the economic consequences of COVID-19, where I utilize economic models as well as empirical analyses. Having a global impact for a long period of time, COVID-19 still continues to affect our daily economic activities and thus my research agenda. Even the current inflation rate, which is also a global phenomenon, is due to COVID-19 and the corresponding policy.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

I would suggest following the recent global events in the media and try to come up with solutions to the problems that come up on a daily basis. I believe that such an approach is essential for innovation and progress, which brings together academic success.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning to or hoping to pursue?

I have always been actively researching inflation and its determinants. Especially after COVID-19, inflation became a global phenomenon again. In my future research, I plan to continue working on inflation and potential policies to reduce it to optimal levels at the global scale.

What’s your favorite hobby?

As a big soccer fan, I not only watch games regularly but also try to play with my graduate students at FIU. I also love blues music and playing guitar solos whenever I have a chance.