Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what brought you to UEA?
I am an Italian researcher, who has a diversified background in Economics. After my MSc in Economics, I began my career as a Research Intern for a Swiss private Asset Management in Geneva. Then, I applied for a PhD in Economics at Queen Mary University of London, during which I made a PhD Traineeship at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt am Main. At the end of my studies, I explored the job market and I was fashinated by the atmosphere and competences of the faculty members of the School of Economics of UEA, a name that was already in my mind when I taught to apply for a PhD.
What modules do you teach on?
At the Postgraduate Taught level I teach Financial Markets. This is a very wide topic, where it is possible to explore many of the mechanisms underlying the functioning (and misfunctioning!) of the modern economies.
I also teach on The Economics of the Alternative Investments for undergraduates: Alternative Investments is an appealing name, but always a bit obscure. I will not add anything more to maintain the mystery, if you want to find out more study it!
What are you researching at the moment?
I’m interested in banking and financial stability. I started my undergraduate studies in September 2007, so the financial crisis has been developed together with my studies! I also work in the areas of capital flows and exchange rates: International capital flows can be very volatile and exert a significant macroeconomic impact on different countries. Financial stability and economic growth depend more and more by capital flows, so it is an interesting area to work in!
Have you ever worked with organisations outside of academia in your research/work?
I have worked with Syz AM on the creation of a mutual fund to hedge against inflation. My work was around the theoretical and empirical understanding of the inflation. I have also worked with the European Central Bank I worked on the methodology of a survey-based Pan-European research project on the social costs of payment methods.
What advice would you give to our students on their future careers?
Regardless of whether you want to work in academia, the private market or a public institution, I recommend to keep in mind three things: 1) study hard and plan in advance; 2) do not be afraid to ask; 3) keep on! And the outcome will (sooner or later) be great!
What are you reading at the moment?
“What’s wrong with the world” by G.K. Chesterton