I am an economist and social scientist passionate about shaping data-driven public policy in developing countries. My current research seeks to identify the root cause of inflation during the Sri Lankan financial crisis of 2022. For this, I use time-series econometrics to understand the role of macroeconomic variables, particularly money supply and exchange rates.

In future research, I want to bridge my knowledge of macro and monetary economics with microeconomics to understand food inflation in South Asia and the potential role of social security programmes to mitigate them in an uncertain future of climate change-induced weather shocks. Methodologically, I am keen to expand my data science skills in econometrics to include SQL, big data tools, and machine-learning models.

Beyond quantitative research, I am studying the political ecology of wildlife conservation in India using qualitative methods, specifically archival research. My training is highly interdisciplinary—my previous education in physics gave me a uniquely analytical perspective on questions of social science. I have also worked for a nonprofit in rural India, and I continue to seek ways engage with communities beyond academia through fieldwork and science communication.