Somasree received her PhD in Economics at Ohio State in 2011 and is currently Associate Teaching Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies in Economics at Johns Hopkins University. Her research interests include International Trade, Economic Growth, and Macroeconomics. Here is Somasree's faculty profile at Johns Hopkins.
Q & A:
1. Why did you choose to study economics at Ohio State?
I was always interested in Economics. I grew up in India in the 1980s and the 1990s and I personally witnessed its economic transformation from the early 1990s onwards as it liberalized its economy. This got me fascinated in the question of why some countries are rich while some others are poor and developed my interest in Economics, particularly International Economics.
I have wanted to be a university instructor since I was in college in India and wanted to pursue a PhD in the U.S. for this. The Ohio State University was the top university that gave me full funding to pursue a PhD. Coming from a middle-class background in India, I could not afford an education in the U.S. unless I was fully funded.
2. Did you serve as a TA or instructor while pursuing your PhD? For which course(s)?
Yes, I was an independent instructor for several courses including Principles of Micro and Macro as well as Intermediate Micro and Macro. I was also a TA for Money and Banking and a TA for PhD-level courses in Advanced Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics.
3. What did you feel least prepared for when you began your first job post-graduation?
My first job post-graduation was in a liberal arts college where I had to teach Economic writing to my students. This was quite challenging for me as a non-native speaker from another country. However, it was a great learning experience and I am very thankful for it. I am still putting that knowledge into use in my classes today.
4. How long have you been with your current employer, and what do you do on a day-to- day basis?
I just started my eighth year at JHU. On a day-to-day basis, I teach undergraduate courses on BRIC Economies, International Trade, and Economic Growth. I also oversee JHU’s undergraduate program in Economics as the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
5. What is the most challenging work experience you've encountered so far?
In my more than ten years of undergraduate teaching and service, I have often witnessed students, especially first-generation students, struggle with mental health issues in the highly competitive university environment. I try my best to support them and direct them towards useful resources. But sometimes I feel that I do not have enough capability to help them even more.
6. What is your next biggest career goal?
I am working towards becoming a full Teaching Professor at JHU. I want to develop new and exciting courses for my students and find innovative ways to support them in their undergraduate careers.
7. Do you have any regrets from your time at OSU?
I was an introverted international student who kept to my small social circle in Columbus. I wish I had spent time and effort getting to know more people at OSU, from our excellent faculty to graduate students in other departments. That would have been an extremely enriching experience and helped me thrive more as an educator in the future.
8. Parting thoughts and/or advice for current economics students:
Doing an Economics PhD can be very stressful, and most people feel like giving up in the course of their PhD career. I know I felt that way many times. But it can be a very rewarding experience if you hang in there! At the same time, it is important to relax and enjoy your time with your friends or loved ones. Work hard, but take time off to enjoy the nice things in life. It will help to keep your sanity! All the best!
