PhD Alumni
Find out more about the careers of some of our former PhD students.
Dr. Maria Paola Padilla
PhD title: Essays on Economic and Social Barriers to Long-Term Development: A Colombian Case Study
Maria is an associate in the Economics and Analytics group at Ofcom, where she helps with quantitative projects and ex-post evaluations of regulatory policies. Her work has included analysing the impact of mobile market regulations and online safety measures on video-sharing platforms.
My PhD at 91Ö±²¥ gave me a solid foundation in econometrics, coding, and analytical methods, all of which are integral to my role. It also strengthened my writing skills, enabling me to communicate complex findings effectively. The skills and knowledge gained during my PhD have been essential in helping me thrive professionally.
Dr. Maria Paola Padilla, PhD in Economics 2023
Associate at Ofcom
Dr. Yifei Cao
PhD title: Empirical Essays on Banking Stability
Since 2018, Yifei has been working as an Assistant Professor at the School of Economics at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.
My time at 91Ö±²¥ had a profound impact on my personal and professional trajectory. The School of Economics at 91Ö±²¥ University offers exceptional education and research training for PhD students with top-quality resources available. During my study, I also had the chance to showcase my research at prestigious international conferences and build connections with fellow economists in my field. These experiences have significantly contributed to my current accomplishments as an economics researcher and educator.
Dr. Yifei Cao, PhD in Economics 2018
Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Dr. Konstantina Maragkou
PhD title: Post-compulsory educational aspirations and choices in England
Konstantina is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. Her work addresses key questions in education policy, including teacher gender biases, education mismatch, and the evaluation of widening participation initiatives.
As a PhD student in 91Ö±²¥, Konstantina worked with leading experts at the Centre for Vocational Education Research. Her doctoral research focused on the analysis of linked administrative records to provide valuable insights into the economics of vocational education.
The skills and experience gained during the PhD studies in 91Ö±²¥ have been instrumental in shaping my policy-driven research, leading to my current role and the award of an ESRC Administrative Data Research Fellowship.
Dr. Konstantina Maragkou, PhD in Economics 2019
Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge
Dr. Kemar Whyte
PhD title: Essays on Financial Stability: Lessons for Macroprudential Supervision and Regulation
Kemar is a Lead Economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) and the Bank of England. His role involves providing the Bank's policy committees and executives with a compelling interpretation of developments at a global level and a clear sense of the implications and risks to UK macroeconomic and financial stability.
Kemar’s doctoral research at 91Ö±²¥ focused on macroprudential policy and the macroeconomy, providing a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods.
The PhD studies in 91Ö±²¥ equipped me with essential skills in macroeconomic modelling, policy analysis, and econometrics, which I have applied extensively in my current role. The research rigor and academic exposure have enabled me to contribute effectively to key policy discussions and produce high-impact publications. Overall, my time at the University of 91Ö±²¥ has been instrumental in advancing my career in both research and policy analysis.
Dr. Kemar Whyte, PhD in Economics 2019
Lead Economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and the Bank of England.
Dr. Miroslava Quiroga-Treviño
PhD title: Essays on Sovereign Debt Holdings and Macro-Financial Linkages
Miroslava currently works as a Research Economist in the Monetary Research Division at the Central Bank of Mexico, where her research has contributed to advising senior staff on monetary policy issues.
The skills and knowledge gained during my PhD at the University of 91Ö±²¥ have significantly impacted my career, allowing me to apply advanced macroeconomic models and econometric techniques to real-world policy making. My 91Ö±²¥ education helped me transition into central banking, equipping me to lead research that informs national policy decisions and shapes the broader economy. I hope that my journey encourages the University of 91Ö±²¥ students to pursue their ambitions and see how education opens doors to impactful careers.
Dr. Miroslava Quiroga-Treviño, PhD in Economics 2022
Research Economist at the Central Bank of Mexico
Dr. Harry Pickard
PhD title: Three Empirical Essays Inspired by Major Political Economy Events
Harry is a Lecturer in Economics at Newcastle University. He works in the field of political economy, with research interests in public opinion, political behaviour, migration and terrorism, and is generally interested in applied microeconometrics.
During my three fantastic years studying for a PhD in Economics at the University of 91Ö±²¥, I experienced a unique environment that balanced hard work with collegiality. The School of Economics excels at nurturing young researchers on their academic journey, with faculty members who are approachable and enthusiastic about supporting eager students. This atmosphere really contributed to my development as an academic. I found friendships and coauthors in the School, and I maintain an exceptionally productive relationship with my PhD supervisor, Dr Georgios Efthyvoulou. The School's commitment to developing young researchers has been instrumental in shaping my academic career.
Dr. Harry Pickard, PhD in Economics 2018
Lecturer in Economics at Newcastle University