Meet the 2025-26 NABE Scholars

The NABE Scholars Program is a key initiative of The NABE Foundation first offered in 2020 to expand opportunities in the profession for economics students and early-career economists from diverse backgrounds. Each year, early-career economists and economics students from groups underrepresented in the profession are named as NABE Scholars and awarded complimentary registration to four NABE conferences and one CBE continuing education course. Scholars also receive a complimentary NABE membership and a stipend to help offset travel costs to attend events. Interested in supporting the NABE Scholars Program?
Please consider a donation to The NABE Foundation. 

Meet the 2025-26 Class of NABE Scholars below! 

 Edgar Aguirre, Joint Committee on Taxation
Edgar Aguirre is an Economic Research Assistant at the Joint Committee on Taxation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Carleton College and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from CUNY Hunter College, where he is also completing a master’s degree in Economics. Previously, he worked as a research analyst on the Credit Consumer Panel at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a junior research scholar at the Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU Law, interned with the White House’s Infrastructure Implementation Team, and was a 2024 AEA Summer Program scholar. He plans to pursue graduate studies in Economics and/or Law, with a focus on research at the intersection of economics and policy, particularly in advancing evidence-based policymaking.

 

Onyx Allen, Brandeis International Business School
Onyx Allen is a recent graduate of Brandeis University (BA in Economics), pursuing her Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance at Brandeis International Business School. Onyx currently serves as a research assistant on a federally funded project at the Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy, where they support policy analysis related to healthcare outcomes and the economic impacts of social safety net programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Onyx participated in the University of Chicago's highly competitive Expanding Diversity in Economics program, where they completed training in econometrics, causal inference, and applied microeconomics. Their interests include labor economics, macroeconomic policy, and US-China economic relations informed in part by their advanced Mandarin proficiency. As an NABE scholar, she aims to sharpen her applied economic toolkit and engage with a network of professionals committed to building data-driven, globally informed policy solutions.

Mardoqueo Arteaga, LinkedIn
Mardoqueo Arteaga is an Economist/Senior Analyst at LinkedIn, working in the Measurement & Insights group. His focus is on applying behavioral economics, causal inference, and advanced analytics to help clients uncover strategic insights in the B2B ads ecosystem. Prior to this, Mardoqueo worked in economic consulting at KPMG, and held applied research roles at the Central Bank of Chile and other institutions. He holds a PhD in Economics from Fordham University, where his research focused on expectations and belief formation. Born in El Salvador and raised in the United States, Mardoqueo brings a perspective shaped by lived experience and a deep interest in how economic insights can be made actionable in business and technology contexts. In the coming years, he aims to help bridge academic economics with product innovation, developing scalable tools for decision-making in industry.

Guyesha Blackshear, The Junior Economist
Guyesha Blackshear is the founder of The Junior Economist, a growing digital platform known for translating complex economic trends into accessible insights for modern professionals. She also serves as the Executive Director of Scholars & Dollars Inc, a grassroots nonprofit providing financial literacy tools and economic empowerment to teens and young adults. Under her leadership, the organization launched Spelman College’s first financial literacy program, which is a 6-week curriculum that has educated over 250 students in two years, sponsored by the Bonner Program. Scholars & Dollars Inc also partners with Equifax, Booker T. Washington High School, and other Atlanta-based organizations. Guyesha has led and contributed to over 20 comprehensive economic impact reports across industries including energy, real estate, and federal policy. She previously served as an Economic Consultant at FTI Consulting, a Business Analyst for a $200M AI infrastructure initiative, and a Business Development Analyst at Regional Economic Models, Inc. She has shared economic commentary on Connecticut’s #1 radio station and partnered with Fulton County Arts & Culture to host workshops helping business owners and individuals navigate shifting economic conditions. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College.

Jonathon Courtney, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Jonathon Courtney is an Economist at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He holds a Master's in Applied Economics and Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Houston. As the first and only Economist for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He analyzes the transportation sector and project costs for the state of Louisiana. His work includes forecasting key inputs in transportation projects, improving the accuracy of cost estimates, and is leading efforts to revise the Department's cost estimation procedures.

 

Isabel Dhillon, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Isabel Dhillon is a Senior Research Analyst in the regional group at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, where she is responsible for processing monthly Texas employment data to estimate the Texas employment forecast. Her research at the Fed focuses on immigration at the Southwest border and education in Texas. She earned bachelors degrees in Economics and Psychology from Scripps College in California, where she conducted research focused on law and criminal justice, one of her key interest areas. After her time at the Fed, Isabel aspires to earn a Masters of Economics and continue to contribute to public policy-focused research. 

 

Alex Dominguez, Exeter Associates
Alex Dominguez is an economist with a strong background in data science and financial analysis. He currently serves as a Research Analyst at Exeter Associates, where he conducts research on energy-related government grants and green battery technology. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance with a concentration in Financial Econometrics from the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Data Science from Goucher College, where he was a student-athlete. He is particularly interested in the intersection of finance and sustainability and is committed to advancing the fields of sustainable finance and green technology.

 

Akhmad Dyussembayev, Drexel University
Akhmad Dyussembayev is an Economics and Data Science student at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. He is a member of the university’s College Fed Challenge team, where he is currently conducting research on private fixed investment trends and their sensitivity to interest rate policy and macroeconomic uncertainty. His passion for business economics is fueled by his entrepreneurial experience as the founder of IvyMind, an educational consultancy agency dedicated to expanding access to global admissions opportunities for students from underrepresented regions. Akhmad is particularly interested in how economic data and policymaking intersect to shape global business environments. He also volunteers with the Peace Islands Institute, contributing to public advocacy efforts that promote dialogue and civic engagement.

 

Margaret Gachau, Quinnipiac University.
Margaret Gachau holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Business Analytics at Quinnipiac University. She is a Consulting Intern at the Central European Institute at Quinnipiac University, where she helps clients establish a strategic presence in the U.S. market. Margaret is passionate about using data to inform policy, foster economic inclusion, and drive business growth across local and global contexts. As an early-career professional, she is continuously exploring new concepts in economics and analytics, equipping herself with the skills she will use to make significant contributions to the field. Beyond academics, Margaret is committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also mentors high school students in science through an Advancing Diversity in Science program, fostering critical thinking and reflecting her belief in mentorship and evidence-based learning as powerful drivers of confidence and curiosity in young people.

 

Britney Jackson, BNP Paribas
Britney Jackson is an economist for Markets 360, the market strategy and economics division of BNP Paribas. She is based in New York and covers the U.S. economy. In her role, Britney helps the bank’s global client base interpret and navigate U.S. economic developments. She also serves on the Programming Committee of the New York Association for Business Economics (NYABE) and is an active member of both the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) and the Money Marketeers of NYU. Britney began her career at BNP Paribas as a Global Markets Sales & Trading Summer Analyst in 2021 and returned full-time in 2022 as a U.S. Economist. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Wellesley College and is an alumna of the 2020 Girls Who Invest program.

 

Kayleigh James, Ford Motor Company
Kayleigh James is an Economic Research Analyst on Ford Motor Company’s Corporate Economics and Strategic Issues team, where she leads the preparation of internal forecast publications and supports a range of special studies. She holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan–Dearborn and an M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics from Wayne State University. Prior to this role, Kayleigh built analytical solutions as a software engineer and data scientist to support the manufacturing process at Ford. She looks forward to collaborating with NABE scholars, sharing insights on macroeconomic forecasting and data-driven strategy, and deepening her understanding of the field.

 

Kayla Jones, Cornell University
Kayla Jones is an incoming fourth-year PhD student at Cornell University’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, concentrating in economics. As an applied microeconomist, she specializes in public and urban economics and studies how local, state, and federal policies shape communities and impact inequality. Prior to graduate school, Kayla worked as a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and at Harvard University, conducting research on macroeconomic policy, consumer finance, and household well-being. As she continues her PhD studies, she plans to use her expertise in applied economic research to inform work at the intersection of the public and private sectors and improve economic outcomes for all.

 

Adiba Juya, Economist Specializing in Development and Evidence-Based Impact Evaluation
Adiba Juya’s profound interest in economic policy stemmed from the start of her career at the Afghanistan Ministry of Finance, where she served as Policy Evaluation Head, monitoring government commitments to the European Union. She later joined Biruni Institute, an association of Afghan economists, to research aid effectiveness in Afghanistan, followed by completing fellowships that focused on labor-force participation and economic growth. Adiba holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics (American University of Central Asia) and two Master of Arts degrees in Economic Governance and Development (OSCE Academy) and in International Policy and Development (Middlebury Institute of International Studies). She is now focused on expanding her knowledge of the U.S. economy and contributing to addressing distribution gaps, labor market issues, income inequality, and poverty.

 

Katie Merritt, Federal Reserve Board
Katie Merritt is a Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Board in the Risk Analysis section. She conducts research and policy analysis on risks arising in financial markets and institutions, particularly those associated with trading securities and derivatives. She also researches property insurance markets in disaster-prone geographies. Katie joined the Board in Summer 2024 after graduating from Case Western Reserve University with degrees in Quantitative Economics and Nutrition. At CWRU, she co-founded the CWRU Journal of Economics, served as a teaching assistant, and spent a semester abroad in the United Arab Emirates. She previously interned with JobsOhio, Ohio’s economic development corporation, and with Aimpoint Research, a strategic intelligence firm that specializes in agri-food. As a NABE Scholar, Katie looks forward to connecting with the NABE community and exploring how economic analysis is used in the private sector. 

 

Zanele Munyikwa, Revelio Labs
Zanele Munyikwa is an economist at Revelio Labs, where she analyzes large-scale workforce data on jobs, skills, and wages. She studies how artificial intelligence is reshaping hiring and compensation in knowledge-intensive roles and the implications of these shifts for broader economic growth. Zanele earned a BS from Duke University and a PhD from MIT, where her dissertation examined the economics of AI’s impact on knowledge work. As a 2025-26 NABE Scholar, she plans to build a stronger macro and time-series toolkit through the CBE curriculum and connect with economists, policymakers, and industry leaders across the NABE community.

 

Keya Nandi, University of Cincinnati
Keya Nandi is a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Business Economics and Business Analytics and will be pursuing her Master's in Applied Economics from UC this coming fall. This summer she is working at Grant Thornton India as a Monitoring and Evaluation Intern working within their development Economics and social sector project areas. Keya is thoroughly passionate about global economics and development and throughout her time as a student has pursued multiple study abroad and internship opportunities in different countries which has reinforced her passion within the area. She plans to become an Economist in the development, policy, and global strategy space and make meaningful impact through her work. Her experiences are a reflection of her commitment towards understanding the world as well as bettering it through her love for Economics.

 

Amarachi Obialo-Akubelem, Georgetown University
Amarachi Obialo-Akubelem is a Master’s student in Economics at Georgetown University, with a global perspective shaped by life experiences across Nigeria, Brunei, and Northern Ireland. Her academic journey reflects a deep interest in applying economic theory to real-world challenges, with particular focus on development economics, data analysis, and international policy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Purdue University, where she developed a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and policy evaluation. At Georgetown, Amarachi is sharpening her skills in econometrics and applied policy analysis, focusing on how economic research can inform real-world solutions. Her cross-cultural background has given her a nuanced understanding of inequality and development, which she hopes to address through work in international development or policy advisory. She is especially committed to leveraging economic tools to drive inclusive growth and long-term transformation across African economies.

 

Subodh Pandey, Howard University
Subodh Pandey is a Ph.D. candidate in Economics at Howard University in Washington, DC, specializing in labor, urban, and health economics. He is currently a research fellow at the Center for Equitable Economy and Sustainable Society. His research focuses on the policy implications of involuntary commitment laws, the effects of housing wealth, and the dynamics of self-employment versus wage employment. Outside academia, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing soccer.

Daniel Peraza, New York University
Daniel Peraza is an economics professor with a strong quantitative background. He holds a Master’s degree in Quantitative Economics and Econometrics from New York University Stern, as well as dual Bachelor's degrees in Economics and International Affairs, with minors in Mathematics and Political Science from Florida State University. He is preparing himself to apply and start a PhD program in economics in Fall 2026. Fluent in five languages and skilled in Python, R, SQL, and Unix, he aims to contribute to evidence-based policymaking that promotes inclusive economic growth.

 

Jay Philbrick, Bain Capital
Jay Philbrick is a private equity analyst at Bain Capital. He graduated from Brown University, where he studied applied mathematics-economics, and computer science. Jay has interned in economic research with the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, the Federal Reserve Board, the U.S. State Department's Office of Monetary Affairs, the Budget Lab at Yale, and the Brookings Institution, helping guide effective domestic and international economic policy. He has also interned as a speechwriter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Jay is a 2024 recipient of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and is excited about applications of economics in both business and public policy. 

Kiran Rimal, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Kiran Rimal is a Research Analyst at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the Fiscal Affairs Department, where he works on tax policy issues for countries in Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Francophone Africa. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Economics from The George Washington University. Kiran’s research interests include macroeconomics, tax policy, finance, and data analytics. He is passionate about advancing evidence-based economic policymaking and contributing to sustainable fiscal reforms in developing and emerging economies.

 

Héctor Romero-Ramírez, Popular, Inc. 
Héctor Romero-Ramírez is a Quantitative Analyst at Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPOP), a top-50 U.S. bank holding company by assets and Puerto Rico's leading financial institution. Additionally, he is a Pre-Graduate Fellow in the Department of Economics at Duke University. Previously, he served as a Research Associate at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and as an Economic Advisor to the Puerto Rico Senate Finance Committee Chair. Romero-Ramírez has been the author and referee of academic papers published in leading economics peer-reviewed journals in Latin America. In addition, Romero-Ramirez earned his BA and MA degrees in Economics from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. He is also an alumnus of the American Economic Association Summer Training Program, where he completed master's and PhD-level coursework in Economics at Howard University.

Eduardo Salgado, University of California, Berkeley
Eduardo Salgado is a recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in Political Economy with a concentration in Financial Economics. At Berkeley, he explored the intersection of policy and markets, focusing on how macroeconomic trends influence financial decision-making and corporate strategy. He is passionate about investing and continually seeks to deepen his understanding of financial markets, economic indicators, and global business news. He enjoys learning and pushing himself outside his comfort zone, whether by analyzing new AI models, acquiring a new skill, or tracking emerging markets. Outside of academics and finance, his hobbies include weightlifting, hiking, and fishing.

 

Sanya Saxena, Cornell University
Sanya Saxena is a recent Cornell graduate (MPS Applied Economics & Management, STEM ’24) with a robust background in macro‐ and microeconomic analysis, policy evaluation, and data‐driven research. She has served as a Research Lead at Global Policy Insights and worked with India’s Planning Commission, applying econometric modeling and time-series forecasting to trade, infrastructure, and labor-market analyses. At Ernst & Young, she developed quantitative pricing models for automobile FTAs between India and the EU and led a $1 billion green housing investment feasibility study. Passionate about evidence-based policy and global development, she has published on international aid effectiveness and inflation dynamics, and served as Editor-in-Chief of her college’s economics magazine.

Yifan (Eva) Tang, Charles River Associates
Yifan (Eva) Tang is an Associate at Charles River Associates, where she develops economic and financial analyses to support government agencies in the US, Canada, and other countries, as well as multinational enterprises, in matters related to international trade and dispute resolution. She graduated with top distinction from the University of Southern California, where she also served as a research assistant in the Finance and Business Economics Department at the Marshall School of Business. She has volunteered in various nonprofit organizations and think tanks, contributing to research on inclusive financing and the organizational management of small and privately held businesses. Her research interests focus on how policies and regulations shape economic outcomes and how they can be designed to better support sustainable growth and global economic development. 

Callan Whamond, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Callan is an Economics PhD Candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as a Head Teaching Assistant and the President of the Economics Graduate Student Organization. Her dissertation work explores topics in housing affordability, with projects on housing development, policy, and homeownership. To complement this research, she is currently completing a second graduate internship within Freddie Mac’s Enterprise Risk division. Prior to starting her PhD, Callan graduated summa cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross, double-majoring in Mathematics and Economics, and worked full-time in ultra-high net worth investment management.

 

Rachel Zhang, Purdue University 
Rachel is a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University with expertise in time series forecasting, causal inference, and spatial econometrics. Her research examines structural change and spatial dynamics in food-away-from-home consumption. She brings applied experience from internships at Duolingo, Zillow, and Beyond, where she worked on forecasting, experimentation, and dynamic pricing problems. Rachel hopes to continue her passions using economic tools to solve real problems in the private sector. Beyond work, Rachel advocates for gender equity in the tech industry, founding Purdue’s inaugural Women in Analytics conference with over 200 participants.

 

Helen Zhou, Tennessee Valley Authority
Helen Zhou is a data-driven business analyst with over five years of experience in the utility industry. She is currently an Economic Forecasting Specialist at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where she leads the development of their regional economic and demographic forecasts to inform long-range energy and financial planning. During her time at TVA, she has conducted extensive research on demographic trends, such as net migration and labor force participation, to better understand regional shifts and their implications on energy demand.  Helen holds a B.S. in Mathematical Economics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a M.S. in Business Analytics from Carnegie Mellon University.