Each year, a new group of research associates joins the Economic Research team at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, while those who have completed their two-year term move on to further academic or professional pursuits.
Aren Yalcin will attend the London School of Economics for a master’s program in econometrics and mathematical economics. He plans to work in economic research before pursuing a PhD. “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,” Yalcin said.
Brandon Miskanic is set to begin a PhD in economics at the University of Rochester. “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,” he said.
Valeska Fresquet Kohan will start her PhD studies in environmental urban economics at UC Berkeley. She stated, “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 also heads to UC Berkeley for doctoral studies focused on environmental inequality economics with plans to contribute quantitative research for policymaking. “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,” Bell said.
Christian Hilgemann will pursue his PhD at Harvard University after receiving a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for his proposal on water markets and agricultural adaptation to climate change. He commented, “I appreciated the opportunity to study interactions between the global economy, climate systems, and the environment.”
Cheikh Fall is preparing for MIT’s PhD program in economics. Fall noted: “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 is set to attend Emory University School of Law after being awarded the Dean’s Scholarship for Excellence. She reflected: “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 will join The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia as a research analyst in its Consumer Finance Institute following her tenure at San Francisco’s bank where she developed technical skills and explored her interests under economist guidance.
Aditi Poduri begins work as an Assistant Specialist at UC Berkeley’s Center for Effective Global Action stating gratitude toward her colleagues: “I’m very grateful to have worked in such a supportive environment of both economists and RAs and am excited to continue working on impactful research in the years to come.”
Deepika Baskar Prabhakar moves into an associate role with Charles River Associates in Boston after describing her two years at San Francisco’s bank as transformative due largely due mentoring from economists.
The Economic Research Department extended congratulations and best wishes for all departing associates as they take their next steps.
The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of management or governing bodies associated with The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
