Meet our new PhD students in Economic History
Three PhD students recently started their doctoral education in Economic History. We've asked a few questions to get to know them better.
Shreeya Bhayana
Shreeya is from New Delhi, India, and she did her Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from OP Jindal Global University, where she majored in Economics and Sociology-Anthropology. She then pursued her education in Sweden and received her Master’s Degree in Economic Development from Lund University.
What is your research area?
I am interested in understanding the role of colonialism in India’s economic and social development. I am specifically interested in how the persistence effects of colonialism have impacted inequality in the long run.
Why did you want to become a PhD student?
I enjoy research a lot, and a PhD education gives me the opportunity of exploring how the instances of our past have come to affect our economic outcomes.
What do you think of Gothenburg?
For me, Gothenburg combines the best of both worlds with the tranquillity that is characteristically Sweden and the hustle-bustle I miss from Delhi.
What’s your favourite food from your country?
I have two favourite foods- one is my mom’s mutton curry and the second is Chole Bhature from Delhi.
Klara Järgenstedt
Klara and was born and raised in Gothenburg. She completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economic History at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. She currently lives in Stockholm, so she spends quite a lot of time on high-speed trains commuting to the office.
What is your research area?
My research focuses on payments and the digitalization of Swedish banks during the second half of the 20th century, with a particular emphasis on the development of ATMs.
Why did you want to become a PhD student?
I really enjoyed writing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s theses. I also worked as a research assistant in a project about ATMs, which I found very interesting. Diving into archives and exploring a subject in depth is something I find truly rewarding.
What do you think of Gothenburg?
Even though the city currently feels like one big construction site, I still think Gothenburg is a beautiful place. It’s not too small and not too big, and very green! People are very friendly and there are plenty of great places to eat and drink at reasonable prices. It is really nice to be back!
What’s your favourite food from your country?
I’m obsessed with chanterelle hunting, so I think a good chanterelle toast is my favourite Swedish food, although a classic kanelbulle always goes down well!
Brage Iyer
Brage is Norwegian-Indian but grew up in Norway. He conducted his Bachelor's degree in History, with a minor in Political science, at the University of Oslo. He then continued his master studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands where he received his Master’s Degree in Global Political Economy.
What is your research area?
I am interested in colonial and labour history, especially in Southern Africa and Australasia. Additionally, I am quite interested in broader analysis of the global economy, understanding the colonial roots of the present North-South divide.
Why did you want to become a PhD student?
This is the life for me. I enjoy researching, and I am looking forward to teaching as well. Economic history is ideal as it combines my two main interests, economics and history.
What do you think of Gothenburg?
Gothenburg is a beautiful city, for its size its quite vibrant and I enjoy exploring it. The size of Gothenburg is also ideal, as it allowing one to enjoy the benefits of a city while not experiencing the stress of a larger metropolis.
What’s your favourite food from your country?
Bread.
