How did you first become interested in economics?
In my first BSc in Computer Studies, there was a special emphasis on the development of systems for economic applications. I had to undertake some modules on basic principles of economics and I realised the question of how real people behave in all manner of decisions really fascinates me.
Why did you choose to study at the School of Economics at Nottingham?
After completing my MSc in Game Theory and Behavioural Economics at the University of Amsterdam, I decided to pursue a PhD in Behavioural and Experimental Economics. My choice of where was an easy one: CeDEx research group at the University of Nottingham is a world-leading research group and has several top-ranking authors affiliated with it.
I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship from the Network for Integrated Behavioural Science, which is a partnership among the Universities of Nottingham, Warwick and East Anglia. I couldn't have hoped for a better place.
What are your fondest memories of your time at the school?
My time in Nottingham was wonderful and challenging at the same time. Right from the start, I really appreciated the openness of the people; both the faculty and my fellow students. The academic environment was highly stimulating, with plenty of opportunities for formal and informal interactions.
What advice would you give to someone considering or about to start a course at the school?
The main advice I would give is that one can be happy only if he likes what he is doing and is passionate about. So, I would think carefully about what excites me and then choose the appropriate course independently of how others would consider my choice.
So tell us more about your career path since graduation.
After submitting my PhD thesis, I moved to the University of Warwick to work as a Research Fellow at the Behavioral Science Group.
What do you enjoy most about that?
The group is highly interdisciplinary with many opportunities for interactions with economists, psychologists, sociologists and computer scientists. It is a great opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives, as I believe this is the only way to scientific truth.
And what are the main challenges?
The interdisciplinary approach is a challenge by itself, since developing a common language is not always straightforward. But it pays off!
Have your experiences at the school helped you?
Definitely. CeDEx is also highly interdisciplinary, since its members are not only economists, but also researchers with studies in psychology, biology and computer science.
Nottingham is a member of the Network for Integrated Behavioural Science, that gave me the opportunity to interact with people from various disciplines, all sharing the common interest of developing and testing models of human behaviour. This was the best training one could wish for.
Are you still in touch with your fellow alumni and, if so, how do you stay in contact?
Yes, I have many friendships from my PhD cohort -sharing each other's successes and frustrations creates very strong bonds. We interact mainly through social media and arrange meet ups from time to time.
Why is staying in touch important to you?
Because we continue sharing our experiences and learn through each other's failures and successes. And more importantly, because some of these people became lifetime friends.