Master's Students
Aisha Alsayegh, MS Student - Research Track
Prior to joining Tufts, I worked in investment banking and financial advisory in Kuwait, building on my undergraduate background in finance. The MS in Economics program has provided me with the opportunity to pivot toward my interests in economic theory, gaining exposure to the most recent research across different fields and exploring how policy and data shape real-world outcomes. I chose this program for its rigorous training, strong faculty mentorship, and thorough preparation for future research opportunities.
Nicholas Hoffman, MS Student - Course Track
I have a bit of an unorthodox path to the MS Program in Economics at Tufts. After graduating from Lafayette College with an AB in Engineering Studies, I first developed financial analysis skills at Commodore Builders, a construction company in Waltham, MA. I supplemented this work with night classes in Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I eventually pivoted to a career in state government at the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means, where I have been able to utilize my skills in budget analysis to recommend investments that support the development of communities like the one I grew up in. In this role, I have been inspired by the commitment legislators and community groups have shown while advocating for resources from the Committee. They believe in their communities, which are often overlooked and underestimated, and wish to invest in their strengths. Tufts presents me with unique opportunities to understand the data informing the public policies and programs I have worked on over the past four years. In my conversations with Professors Doss and Finkelstein-Shapiro, I was drawn to the degree’s emphasis on providing students a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. The skills I will learn from the Tufts Economics Department will position me to effectively synthesize economic research and recommend strategies to policymakers.
Risheet Modi, MS Student - Course Track
After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois, I worked as an Analyst at a Big Four consulting firm. From the nature of my work, it was clear that I needed stronger skills in economic research and deeper applied knowledge of economic theory. I knew instantly that pursuing a master’s degree was the next step in my academic and professional journey. I had scholarship offers from many prestigious schools but chose Tufts for its rigorous curriculum in Economics, which mirrors the first year of a PhD program. Knowing that a PhD would be my next step gave me confidence in my choice of Tufts. Speaking to Professor Doss and Professor Shapiro before accepting my offer was incredibly useful as they demystified the MS program and the outcomes of a research degree from Tufts. The faculty are exceptionally supportive and their diverse research agendas make it easy to seek inspiration for an interdisciplinary approach to my research. Professor Zabel, as well as other faculty, has helped me navigate the challenges one might face as a new graduate student and as a Teaching Assistant. Overall, I feel more prepared and assured that my academic career and professional journey will be rounded out by a degree from Tufts.
Nikitha Vijay, MS Student - Course Track
Before arriving at Tufts, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Data Science from Shiv Nadar University Chennai, India. Having lived in the United States for nine years before moving to India, I experienced two very different economic and social environments. This contrast sparked my interest in economic development and inequality, and it led me to study economics with a focus on how structural change shapes labor markets and broader growth outcomes.
In searching for a graduate program, I wanted a place that combined rigorous quantitative training with opportunities to apply theory to real-world issues. Tufts stood out for its balance of strong academics, supportive faculty, and a close-knit community. The MS in Economics program provides the ideal environment for me to deepen my research interests in development and labor economics while building the skills I need for a career that bridges economic research and policy.