Behavioural economist and senior lecturer at University of Pretoria, South Africa
Behavioural economist and senior lecturer at University of Pretoria, South Africa
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I happened on the field of economics almost by accident: my life plan on leaving high school was to qualify as a psychologist. Economics was the only commerce subject offered in my BA degree, so I took it as a "back-up plan". Economics was interesting and had a logic to it that appealed to me; but I was fascinated by psychology, particularly studying the ways in which people make decisions and process information. My early post-graduate studies followed that passion: I did my MA in psychology.But my undergraduate economics studies had left me with an interest in economics, fueled by an enjoyment of pop-economics literature (think, "Freakonomics"). The more I read, the more I noticed the emerging field of behavioural economics. This was a world where psychology and economics existed as natural complements. After some years working in market research (sales forecasting and concept and product optimisation), I was ready for a career change. This was my opportunity to return to economics, incorporating my love of psychology. My economics Masters and PhD research focused on decision making under uncertainty, including violations of rationality in decision making. I started teaching at University of Pretoria in 2015 while completing my PhD, and I can't imagine a job that would suit me better. My research allows me to combine my interests in psychology and economics, and to work with colleagues and students with a variety of interests, opening doors to new and exciting projects. I love sharing my fascination with the way people make decisions through teaching students and corporate groups, and helping people to look for behavioural solutions to a range of problems.
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