King's College London

I am a PhD student in Economics at King’s Business School, supervised by Liang Bai and Seyhun Sakalli. My research examines how the spread of printing technology shaped women’s access to literacy and long-term development outcomes. More broadly, my interests lie at the intersection of development economics, economic history, and political economy. Over the course of my PhD, they have expanded to include questions on how institutions and technologies shape long-run outcomes.

Before starting my PhD, I completed my postgraduate studies in economics and worked on research projects that inspired me to pursue an academic career. What motivated me most was the opportunity to develop original ideas and to share my findings with people who are genuinely interested in them.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my PhD has been the freedom to explore new ideas while working closely with my supervisors. Their guidance and constructive feedback have been invaluable in sharpening my research questions and framing them for broader academic audiences. Of course, the process has not been without challenges — data work, archival research, and writing all require persistence and patience — but the supportive environment at King’s has helped me overcome these hurdles and grow as an independent researcher.

I chose King’s Business School because my supervisors’ research interests aligned closely with mine, and during the interview process they demonstrated remarkable kindness and generosity that I did not experience at other institutions. Studying in London has been equally rewarding: it offers countless opportunities to engage with leading scholars, attend seminars across institutions, and exchange ideas with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Looking ahead, my aspiration is to pursue an academic career where I can continue to research, teach, and mentor future economists. My time at King’s has shaped my thinking by training me to approach questions with both historical depth and empirical rigor. I believe this combination will be central to my future work.

For those considering a PhD in economics, my advice is to choose a research topic that excites you and to remain open to refining your interests as you progress. A PhD is a long journey, but with the right supervision, a supportive academic environment, and your own curiosity, it can also be a deeply rewarding one.