Following the completion of her PhD (in November 1998), Kalvinder's research has focused on the time-series econometric modelling of (1) real time data, data revisions, expectations data and their use in nowcasting and forecasting macroeconomic events, (2) structural macroeconomic modelling concentrating in particular on the formation of expectations and the use of survey data and (3) nation-wide, region-wide and industry-wide disaggregated data and the implications for economic policy. Kalvinder joined the Department of Economics at The University of Melbourne as a lecturer in 2001, was promoted to Senior Lecturer in January 2003, Associate Professor in January, 2007 and Professor in January 2017.
She held the role of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Research at the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE), University of Melbourne, for the three year term: 2022 - 2024, and currently serves on the Network for Women in FBE.
She has organised numerous workshops and conferences over the years. Most recently, these have included a co-organiser of the Continuing Education in Macroeconometrics (2023), the 2nd Women in Macro Workshop (2024), and a member of the Program Committee of the Workshop of the Australasian Macroeconomics Society (2024).
Her current significant service roles to the profession include being on the Editorial Board of the Economic Record in the role of a Co-Editor, and as an Expert Panel Member for Department of the Treasury.
Kalvinder has coordinated the construction of the Australian Real-Time Macroeconomic Database. Funding from the ARC Discovery Project DP0988112 (2009 - 2011): 'Australian Real-Time Data: Construction, Analysis and Implications for Real-Time Policy Making' and ARC DP140103029 (2014 - 2016): Analysis of Fiscal Policy Responses to Macroeconomic Conditions in Australia and the US using Real Time Data', is gratefully acknowledged.
Significant Research Grants
ARC Discovery Grant (3-years, 2023 – 2025) – A$407,107 – Nowcasting and Interpreting the Australian Economy (with Tim Robinson, Luke Hartigan, Kevin Lee, Yong Song, Zhou Li, David Stephan and Khanh Hoang)
ARC Discovery Grant (3-years: 2014-2016) – A$210000 – DP140103029:Analysis of Fiscal Policy Responses to Macroeconomic Conditions in Australia and the US using Real Time Data (with Kevin Lee and James Morley)
ARC Discovery Grant (3-years: 2009-2011) - A$268,000 – DP0988112: Australian Real Time Data: Construction, Analysis and Implications for Real Time Policy Making (with Kevin Lee and Nilss Olekalns)
ARC Discovery Grant (3-years: 2006-2008) - A$200,000 – DP0664286: Interest Rate Volatility (with Olan Henry, Michael McKenzie, Nilss Olekalns and Sandy Suardi).
ARC Discovery Grant (3 years: 2003-2005) - A$105,000 – DP0345026: Growth and inflation dynamics: Measuring Steady-State Growth, Output Gaps and Inflationary Pressures using Survey Data in Australia and Other Advanced Economies
United Nations University – US$100,000 – Long-term development in the CFA-zone countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (with David Fielding and Kevin Lee).