Hi, I’m Shriya

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I am a social scientist with a PhD in Regional Science from Cornell University.

My work sits at the intersections of food and agricultural systems, rural and community development, and public policy. I study questions around organic and sustainable agricultural policy, adoption of novel agricultural technologies, and pathways toward more equitable and resilient farming economies.

I am also interested in climate resilience and the Circular Economy, particularly in agri-food systems and construction. Across these areas, I am interested in how institutions and communities influence development trajectories.

I have worked also in governance consulting on projects related to rural development and education reform in India.

Teaching and mentorship

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Teaching and mentorship are important to me too! I have taught and assisted undergraduate and graduate courses in quantitative methods, data analysis, GIS, and urban theory. My most rewarding teaching experience, however, was spending a year teaching in a prison education program.

Other interests

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Here is a list of other things that I think about frequently, borderline obsessively:

• Science communication — A lot of brilliant research disappears into the ether. With a little creativity, we can do so much better!
• Games and puzzles — I enjoy playing. I enjoy building.
• Social justice and public ethics — as it relates to my research, gender equality, and the carceral state. Yes, we need data-driven, evidence-based policy. We also need to reflect on the role of ethics in our research and policy.
• Research and higher education capacity-building in developing countries.