This October the Department of Economics will present eight new PhDs at Convocation Hall. All members of the cohort of 2024 have landed their first jobs in four countries: Canada, the USA, the UK, and France.
“It’s a wonderful privilege to watch PhD candidates evolve into professionals who embody the very best intellectual qualities of our shared discipline,” said Professor Ettore Damiano, Chair of the Department of Economics. “They may no longer be our students; they are now our colleagues. Our entire department is excited to see what they do next with their passion for inquiry and innovative research skills.”
Paul Han, Competition Bureau of Canada.
Paul Han is putting his PhD to work for the public good in Ottawa at the Competition Bureau of Canada.
‘I’m excited to be able to apply my research skills in a way which can provide tangible benefits to society in the form of lower prices for consumers,” Dr. Han said. “My advice for current students is to work on things that you find interesting and try to get the JMP’s first draft done by winter of 5th year. My advice for incoming students is to as proficient as possible in the more technical side of things. It opens new tools to use for whatever research you do.”
Francis Guiton, Consultant, Analysis Group
Francis Guiton is now an economic consultant working on litigation cases primarily involving antitrust and competition disputes out of the Analysis Group’s Montreal office.
“I am very excited about using my training in industrial organization to tackle real-world business questions,” Dr Guiton said. “My advice for incoming PhD students is to try to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially during the first couple years of the program.”
Jie Fang, Postdoctoral Researcher at McGill University
Jie Fang has already kicked off her post-doc at McGill where she focuses on innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly where it concerns collaborations, IP market friction, and open-science drug development models.
“The main goal is to investigate how to motivate firms to collaborate and share knowledge to promote drug development, especially in the areas of rare diseases and markets with small market share,” Dr. Fang explained. “I’m quite excited about it!”
Her advice for current students?
“Passion is the best motivation,” she reminded current students. “Everyone in this program has their own strengths and interests. Keep exploring, find the areas that interest you, and stick with them. The process won’t always be smooth, but in the end, you will work it out!”
Alexandre Lehoux, Consultant, OECD
Alexandrew Lehoux has joined the Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs) and Entrepreneurship Department at the OECD’s Paris office.
“This group aims to understand the barriers faced by SMEs and entrepreneurs and recommend policies to overcome them,” Dr Lehoux explained. “I am looking forward to working on many topics that SMEs and entrepreneurs might find challenging, such as accessing funding, implementing new technologies, and recruiting new workers.”
He also has tips for students still in the program.
“I recommend participating in student events and talking to students outside your cohort,” Dr. Lehoux said. “There is a lot of uncertainty at each stage of the Ph.D., and cross-cohort information transfer can help reduce the stress associated with each stage.”
En Hua Hu, Postdoctoral Researcher, Oxford University
En Hua Hu will be continuing his work in decision theory and behavioral economics at Oxford where he will build upon inquiries into how people evaluate information and make choices in complex environments.
“The job market has made the year very hectic, and I am excited to start a regular and consistent routine again. I find myself most productive and healthiest when I stick to the same boring schedule daily,” Dr. Hu said.
“I have come to appreciate that researchers come in different forms – and good research comes out of every form,” he explained. “You may not work the same way as your peers or your supervisor, but that shouldn’t discourage you. Instead, learn from them and adapt their strengths to fit your style. More practically, take breaks and keep your mental and social state healthy. I know I will dearly miss the people in Toronto. The same people I am used to seeing on a daily or weekly basis suddenly become people I will see only annually. Cherish them while you can!”
Guangbin Hong, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Chicago (2024-2025), Assistant Professor, Michigan State University (Fall 2025)
Guangbin Hong will be studying the housing market conditions and urban structure of the Chicago metropolitan area.
“Housing issues such as affordability, supply constraints, and gentrification are pressing concerns for many North American cities and align closely with my research on the spatial distribution of economic activities,” Dr. Hong said. “I am excited to conduct research on spatial economics at the University of Chicago, which has a renowned team of leading economists specializing in this rising field.”
His advice to current students reminds them that doing research is equal parts challenge and reward.
“Ask big questions and take steady steps towards understanding them,” he said. “Our department provides an outstanding research environment of supportive and inspiring faculty, enriching seminar series, and a vibrant, collaborative student community, which are all dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.”
Poli Natama, Research Analyst, International Finance Corporation, World Bank
Poli Natama measures the development impact of the International Finance Corporation’s real sector projects.
“I have a deep passion for international development,” Dr. Natama said. “I am excited to apply my research skills to supporting the implementation of impactful projects that promote private sector growth and empower communities to improve their lives and realize their full potential.”
She encourages Ph.D. students to believe in themselves and persist through the challenges.
“While the Ph.D. journey may be a rollercoaster, it will be rewarding and worthwhile in the end,” she said.
Alexander Hempel, Postdoctoral Researcher, the University of Alberta
Alexander Hempel’s job market paper examined whether the creation of Ontario’s Green Belt had an impact on housing shortages. His immediate post-doctoral research will examine potential links between immigration and housing.
“My advice to PhD students is to make sure to produce research, even if it is not immediately perfect,” he said. “When you produce research, you can present at conferences, build out a network and have a more complete academic experience that will serve you well regardless your choice of future career.”
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