PhD students ready to focus on their research
Five new PhD students have now joined the Department of Economics for at least four years of dedicated research. We asked our new PhD students to tell us more about themselves.
"GU has a warm working atmosphere and precise academic style"
My name is Ziheng Xiao and I came from China. Before going to University of Gothenburg, I had my bachelor degree in Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and master degree in Maastricht University. Both of them are majored in Economics.
What is your research area?
– My research area is asset pricing so far.
What made you want to do research as a Ph.D.?
– The stable and safe income from portfolios is essential for households, institutions and others. I wish my work will have a little contribution to help meeting this demand.
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
– GU makes me feel excellent for the warm working atmosphere and precise academic style.
What´s your favorite food from your country?
– There is a popular dish in my hometown named back-to-the-pot meat. I wish to cook and share with others in our department in the future.
"I am interested in understanding the factors behind poverty"
My name is Juanita Serna and I am from Colombia. I studied my master’s degree in Economics at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia.
What is your research area?
– My areas of interest are labour and development economics.
What made you want to do research as a phd?
– My motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in economic lies on my interest in understanding the factors behind the persistence of poverty and inequality in developing countries.
What do you think of Sweden so far?
– So far, I find Sweden to be a welcoming country where Swedes and people from around the world come together, creating a lively mix of cultures.
What´s your favorite food from your country?
– My favorite food from my home country is a dish called Ajiaco, a hearty stew brimming with flavors from beef, pork, chicken, and an array of veggies, roots and tubers.
"I have a strong motivation to contribute positively to the world"
My name is Stefano Tarroni, and I am originally from Rimini, Italy. I hold a bachelor’s in economics from Bologna University and a master’s in economics from University of Milano-Bicocca. I then worked as a junior researcher in Copenhagen University and University Carlos III of Madrid.
What is your research area?
– I aim to focus my research on the fascinating intersection of development economics and environmental economics. I believe that understanding how economic growth impacts the environment and how environmental and biological services can foster growth and protect our cities is vital for creating a sustainable future.
What made you want to do research as a phd?
– The decision to pursue a PhD in Economics stems from my strong motivation to contribute positively to the world through my career. I aim to develop the skills needed to independently lead my research projects and achieve that profound impact.
What do you think of Sweden so far?
– Well, I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Sweden to the fullest yet, but I've heard wonderful things about the country. The rich culture, stunning landscapes, and strong commitment to sustainability make it an exciting new home!
What´s your favorite food from your country?
– Having the pleasure to be Italian I must say that a plate of pasta holds a special place in my heart (and belly). But if I'm in a hurry, you can't beat a quick and delicious slice of pizza!
"My main interests are in Urban and Environmental Economics"
My name is Richard Oliveira and I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I did my bachelors in naval engineering at the Universidade de São Paulo – USP and my masters in economics at Fundação Getúlio Vargas´ Economics School in Rio de Janeiro – EPGE\FGV.
What is your research area?
– My main interests are in Urban and Environmental Economics.
What made you want to do research as a phd?
– Once I went to dinner with a friend and a couple of her friends and they were, at the time, doing their PhD’s and working at the Interamerican Bank. They described how their day-to-day was and what was the purpose of what they did, I found it really interesting and started to look into it so I could also do it.
What do you think of Sweden so far?
– It’s a very nice country, everyone has been really kind and helpful so far. Bonus points for the meatballs!
What´s your favorite food from your country?
– Pão de queijo! It’s a Brazilian breakfast (and our version of fika) staple, made out of bread and cassava flour. Minas Gerais is a state specially known for their pão de queijo!
"Working as a research assistant got me interested in pursuing a PhD"
My name is Elliott Syrén and I’m originally from Gothenburg. I have a bachelor’s degree in statistics and a master’s degree in economics, both from Uppsala university.
What is your research area?
– I am primarily interested in labour economics, public economics, and applied econometrics.
What made you want to do research as a phd?
– After I finished my studies, I worked a year as a research assistant at IFAU. In doing so, I gained valuable insight into working with research in practice which got me interested in pursuing a PhD.
What do you think of Göteborgs universitet so far?
– So far so good! Everyone I’ve met have been kind and welcoming which has made me a bit less nervous about embarking on this endeavor.
What´s your favorite food from your country?
– Swedish tacos, consistent yet adaptable.
