How did you first become interested in economics?
I've always liked the logic that economics provides for analysing problems and making decisions. It offers a structure that's applicable to a broad range of issues. Managing fisheries, reducing traffic congestion, prioritising healthcare, even identifying optimal dating strategies - economics can help.
Why did you choose to study at the School of Economics at Nottingham?
I became aware of the PhD programme through a faculty member at Australian National University, where I was completing a masters degree in the late 1990s. England was due to host both the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup in 1999, so I was immediately interested!
When I researched the university I realised I would have the opportunity to work with some great academics - some of whom had authored textbooks I'd used in my undergraduate studies - in a congenial environment.
What are your fondest memories of your time at the school?
My interactions with fellow graduate students, faculty members and support staff. I was fortunate to have Sir David Greenaway, the former Vice-Chancellor, as an adviser for my PhD studies, and a conversation with one of the administrative staff motivated a significant component of my PhD research. The caring nature of the school can be summarised by the following anecdote...
I played for a local rugby club during my studies, so I would frequently show up on Monday with a black eye or facial abrasions. One faculty member, who wasn't familiar with the intricacies of rugby, quietly took me aside one day to ask what problems I was having and would it help if he lent me some money. It took me half an hour to convince him I wasn't in any danger, but the thought was appreciated.
What advice would you give to someone considering or about to start a course at the school?
Embrace the quantitative aspects of economics - take some courses in mathematics and statistics - but don't lose sight of the intuition underlying economic principles. If you can't explain a concept to your grandmother then you don't understand it.
Tell us about your career path since graduation
After completing my PhD I became a lecturer at the Department of Economics at the University of Otago, New Zealand. I taught a variety of undergraduate classes, and my research focused on the evaluation of trade policies. I interacted with a number of national and international institutions, including the New Zealand Treasury, the OECD and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
I then became an environmental energy economist with the Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change at MIT. I worked in an interdisciplinary team - including economists, climate scientists and engineers - to assess the costs and benefits of climate and energy policies.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy working on an important global issue and being closely connected to policymakers and industry leaders. My goal is to not only advance the economics discipline by publishing in academic journals but also to produce research that can guide policymaking. With the success of a global climate deal relying on nations finding efficient ways to reduce emissions, quantitative research on the impact of alternative climate policies provides an opportunity to shape the world we live in.
And what are the main challenges?
One major frustration is that the interpretation of results and judgment of the credibility of the research is often guided by vested interest rather than an objective appraisal.
In what ways have your experiences at the school helped shape and develop your career?
At Nottingham I cemented my understanding of economics and developed skills in numerical general equilibrium modelling - a method used to evaluate the sectoral and regional impacts of economic policies. I've used these skills throughout my career, even though the focus of my research has changed from trade policy issues to the analysis of climate and energy policies.
Also, long winter nights - not to mention a student income - provided an incentive for me to combine my interests in quantitative economics and sport. I still supplement my core activities with research on sports economics, which has allowed me to advise leagues on tournament design issues, and I currently operate a rugby prediction website, www.rugbyvision.com.
Are you still in touch with your fellow alumni?
Yes, through social media - mainly Facebook - and occasionally in a professional capacity.
Why is staying in touch important to you?
University of Nottingham alumni are located in many industries and countries around the globe, and shared experiences - both good and bad - during an influential life stage create strong bonds.