Why did you choose this PhD?
In my day-to-day job, I work with financial and economic models to improve decision-making for financial institutions. What I enjoy about this work is how modeling approaches evolve, with new academic insights finding their way into practical applications. When I saw the opening for a part-time PhD position at the VU, I knew immediately I wanted to apply, as it offered exactly the opportunity I was looking for: to deepen my academic interests while working on real challenges in the financial industry.
What do you hope your research wil contribute to science or the financial world?
My research interest is triggered by recent global disruptions that highlighted the need for understanding how systemic risks propagate through the global economy. I study how supply chain disruptions transmit across economic networks and spill over into financial markets, using network-based models combined with financial economics to improve the tools used for risk management and scenario analysis.
What do you think of the programme so far?
The programme as been very rewarding so far. Our cohort has diverse backgrounds and research interest, which leads to interesting discussions during the modules. My supervisors have been very supportive in guiding me through the process and are genuinely engaged with my research topic.
