About

My research and policy work focus on issues of urbanization, labor, economic development, and spatial inequality.

I am an Assistant Professor in the School of City and Regional Planning (SCaRP) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In my scholarship, I examine new forms of urbanization emerging as economies and labor markets are restructured by climate change, technological acceleration, and demographic transitions.

In addition to my academic research, I work with both governmental and non-profit institutions in their efforts to create inclusive urban economies. I serve as an economic policy advisor to progressive Los Angeles City Councilwoman, Nithya Raman, whom I have supported in implementing policy reforms related to street vending, procurement, and support for small businesses. I’ve spent a decade conducting applied research in emerging economies as founding partner of the Just Jobs Network, a non-profit institute based in New Delhi that advises governments on labor market policies. I have also consulted with the World Bank on issues of sustainable development.

My research has been supported by a range of academic institutions and foundations: the International Development Research Centre (Canada), London School of Economics, Asian Development Bank, U.S. Departments of Education and State, USC Lusk Center, Solidarity Center, and German Marshall Fund. I’ve been awarded the Fulbright-Hays and Fulbright-Nehru research fellowships.

My opinion writing has appeared in media outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Hindustan Times, Indian Express, and The Jakarta Post. I speak Hindi and Bahasa Indonesia. I obtained my PhD in urban planning and development from the Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California.