I’m no John Forbes Nash, but the upside is that I’m fairly sane.
In September I am starting work on dual master’s degrees in International Development and Economics at the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies. I have chosen DU because of the quality of the faculty, and my conviction that the GSIS program is exactly in line with my research interests. I have read some of Dr. Hamilton’s research on social capital and development agendas, which has been central to my initial interests in development theory. I am very excited about exploring the ongoing research of Dr. Haider Ali Kahn as well. I feel very lucky to be chosen to work with some of the best minds in Development and Economics in the country.
My research interests have been stirred by numerous questions that have been raised in my undergraduate studies. For instance, what role can a NGO play in encouraging development without imposing a damaging cultural bias? Which methods of economic stimulation are actually sustainable in a given community? How, precisely, are women’s lives changed by the sudden empowerment of entrepreneurship? Which political systems promote human rights and freedom, while allowing for measurable poverty alleviation? I am driven to answer these questions, and I hope to convey my sincere motivation and perseverance towards this single goal of pursuing graduate studies, and then going on to work in Africa for an organization that promotes social transformation, peace, human rights, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
This blog represents my collected thoughts on graduate school, economics, development theory, and University of Denver. I am excited to be at this stage of my studies, and I welcome any input or feedback that readers would like to share.
Student Economist 
hey there. I came upon your blog while a did a google search on grad school + eco. it’s very interesting! I like your commentary on grad life and economics; it is both lucid and insightful. could you please post an entry on your tips about applying to grad school? many thanks and good luck w/ your thesis!
Khadija!
What a lovely name you have, with such a noble history. I’m sure you know a lot about The Pure One, sharing her name.
I would be happy to share some advice about getting in to grad school…thank you for the compliments on my blog! I’m thrilled to know that someone is reading it! 🙂
S.
Hey!
I have been reading you’re blog. I really like it… you sound like a really smart and ambitious person. I take you must have moved on from your studies now… do you have a new blog I could follow?
William
Hi William, thank you for reading! Actually, I am focusing my energy on my last two quarters and preparing to graduate in June. Hopefully I’ll have a little time to contribute to this blog.
Best,
Sarah