Abu Shonchoy | Health | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abu Shonchoy | Health | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abu Shonchoy, Florida International University, United States

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy is a distinguished economist and Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU), USA. With a deep-rooted passion for development and labor economics, his research explores innovative policy interventions addressing poverty, migration, and digital finance. He has held key research affiliations with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT and the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. A prolific academic, Dr. Shonchoy has significantly contributed to understanding the socio-economic impact of technology adoption, financial inclusion, and education policies. His work is widely published in high-impact journals, making him a leading voice in global economic research. With a PhD from the University of New South Wales, his expertise spans across continents, shaping economic policies in both developed and developing nations. He continues to advance impactful research that drives socio-economic transformations worldwide.

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Suitability for the "Research for Best Researcher Award" – Abu S. Shonchoy

Abu S. Shonchoy stands out as an exemplary candidate for the "Research for Best Researcher Award" due to his profound contributions to Development and Labor Economics. As an Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU), his career trajectory is marked by significant academic achievements, particularly in the areas of poverty, migration, health economics, and social identity, which directly align with the award's focus on impactful research.

Shonchoy's research interests span behavioral and experimental economics, with a strong focus on real-world challenges, such as understanding the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on neonatal mortality, promoting digital financial technology adoption in crises, and the impacts of early childhood human capital formation. His work has consistently led to high-quality publications in top-tier journals like Journal of Health Economics, Nature Scientific Reports, and World Development, cementing his standing as a thought leader in his field.

Education

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to economic research. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, in 2011, specializing in development and labor economics. Prior to this, he completed a Master of Economic Policy from the Australian National University (ANU) in 2005, where he was awarded the prestigious Neil Vousden Memorial Scholarship. His foundational studies include a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics (First Class Honors) from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2003. His academic training, enriched by global exposure, laid the groundwork for his extensive contributions to economic research. Dr. Shonchoy's educational background has enabled him to drive impactful research in poverty alleviation, financial technology, and labor markets, significantly influencing policy decisions worldwide.

Professional Experience

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy has built an illustrious academic career, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Economics (tenured) at Florida International University (FIU) since 2021. He is also an Affiliated Professor at Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and a Research Fellow at IZA and GLO. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at FIU (2018-2021), a Research Fellow at IDE-JETRO, Japan (2010-2018), and a Visiting Scholar at New York University (2016-2018). His experience also includes teaching roles at the University of Tokyo and National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). With a global research footprint, Dr. Shonchoy has been instrumental in shaping policies in financial inclusion, poverty reduction, and labor economics. His interdisciplinary approach and collaborations have positioned him as a thought leader in economic development.

Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades. In 2024, he received the prestigious FIU Top Scholar Award and the ADB-IEA Innovative Policy Research Award. His earlier recognitions include the Albert Berry Prize from the Canadian Economic Association (2016) and the Best Young Researcher Presentation Award at the ADB-3ie conference (2014). His excellence in teaching was acknowledged with the Highest Student Evaluation Score at the University of Technology Sydney (2010). A recipient of the Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship and Neil Vousden Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Shonchoy has consistently demonstrated academic and research excellence. His work has been recognized internationally, reinforcing his influence in economic policy development. These accolades highlight his impactful research in labor economics, digital finance, and socio-economic policy interventions.

Research Skills On Health

Dr. Abu S. Shonchoy’s research expertise encompasses development economics, labor economics, behavioral economics, and financial inclusion. He specializes in designing and evaluating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the impact of financial technology and education policies. His work integrates quantitative analysis, big data methodologies, and experimental approaches to derive actionable policy insights. His research on digital financial inclusion has shaped policies in emerging economies, and his interdisciplinary studies have contributed to social mobility, migration, and economic resilience. As an editorial board member for Nature – Scientific Reports, he continuously advances the frontiers of knowledge in his field. His ability to translate complex economic theories into practical policy recommendations makes him a key influencer in global economic research.

Publication Top Notes

  • Poverty and migration in the digital age: Experimental evidence on mobile banking in Bangladesh

    • Authors: JN Lee, J Morduch, S Ravindran, A Shonchoy, H Zaman

    • Citations: 215

    • Year: 2021

  • Migration, externalities, and the diffusion of COVID-19 in South Asia

    • Authors: JN Lee, M Mahmud, J Morduch, S Ravindran, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 81

    • Year: 2021

  • Can solar lanterns improve youth academic performance? Experimental evidence from Bangladesh

    • Authors: Y Kudo, AS Shonchoy, K Takahashi

    • Citations: 66

    • Year: 2019

  • Determinants of government consumption expenditure in developing countries: A panel data analysis

    • Author: AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 50

    • Year: 2010

  • Narrowing the gender gap in mobile banking

    • Authors: JN Lee, J Morduch, S Ravindran, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 49

    • Year: 2022

  • The informal labour market in India: Transitory or permanent employment for migrants?

    • Authors: A Shonchoy, PNR Junankar

    • Citations: 48

    • Year: 2014

  • Impact of electrification on children’s nutritional status in rural Bangladesh

    • Authors: T Fujii, AS Shonchoy, S Xu

    • Citations: 47

    • Year: 2018

  • Fertility and rural electrification in Bangladesh

    • Authors: T Fujii, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 38

    • Year: 2020

  • The impact of a computer-based adult literacy program on literacy and numeracy: Evidence from India

    • Authors: A Deshpande, A Desrochers, C Ksoll, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 37

    • Year: 2017

  • Primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Bangladesh: Achievements and challenges

    • Authors: H Kono, Y Sawada, AS Shonchoy

    • Citations: 30

    • Year: 2018

Anna Cecilia Trolesi Reis Borges Costa | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anna Cecilia Trolesi Reis Borges Costa | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

👤 Dr. Anna Cecilia Trolesi Reis Borges Costa, Federal University of Lavras, Brazil

Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa, born on April 5, 1991, is a Brazilian veterinarian with a strong focus on epidemiology. She earned her Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences from Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) in 2024, with research exploring bovine brucellosis surveillance and control in Minas Gerais. Anna’s career spans a range of professional experiences, including working as a small animal clinician, a volunteer teacher in epidemiology, and a visiting professor at Brazilian universities. She is recognized for her extensive research in veterinary epidemiology and public health, particularly in zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis and brucellosis. Her contributions to the field are supported by multiple grants, including the prestigious CNPq Postdoctoral Abroad Scholarship. Currently, she continues her work internationally, with a focus on advancing veterinary science and public health.

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🌟 Assessment of Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award”

Dr. Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa’s exceptional academic and professional journey demonstrates her strong eligibility for the “Research for Best Researcher Award.” Her contributions to veterinary sciences, with a focus on epidemiology, public health, and infectious disease control, align with the criteria of groundbreaking research and societal impact.

Dr. Costa has a robust academic background, completing her PhD in Veterinary Sciences at the Universidade Federal de Lavras in 2024, with international collaborations at the University of Illinois and the University of Prince Edward Island. Her thesis on risk-based bovine brucellosis surveillance and control highlights her innovative approach to addressing critical challenges in veterinary public health. Complementing this, her Master’s dissertation focused on a “One Health” approach to leptospirosis, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary research that integrates animal, human, and environmental health.

🎓 Education 

Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa’s educational journey includes a series of distinguished academic accomplishments. She holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences from Universidade Federal de Lavras (2024), where her thesis focused on “Risk-based bovine brucellosis surveillance and control.” This was pursued during a collaborative period at the University of Illinois. Anna also completed her Master’s in Veterinary Sciences at UFLA in 2020, researching “Epidemiology of leptospirosis in humans and unowned dogs,” which emphasized the One Health approach. She received several prestigious grants throughout her academic career, including from CAPES and the Canadian Government for further specialization in epidemiology at the University of Prince Edward Island in 2022. Anna completed her undergraduate degree in Veterinary Medicine at UFLA in 2014. Her academic background has laid a strong foundation for her work in epidemiology and public health.

💼   Professional Experience

Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa’s professional journey includes several roles in the field of veterinary science, with a particular focus on epidemiology. From 2019 to 2024, she served as a volunteer teacher in epidemiology and public health at UFLA. In 2021, she expanded her teaching experience as a visiting professor at both Universidade Federal de Alfenas and Universidade Santo Amaro in Brazil. Anna also worked as a government employee in Três Corações, Brazil, offering specialized technical services as a small animal clinician and at a local shelter. Her clinical expertise was further honed through her roles at Recanto Animal and Bicho Chic Veterinary Clinic, where she worked with small animals. Additionally, Anna has gained practical experience in large animal reproduction during her internship at UFLA’s veterinary hospital. Her multidisciplinary experience makes her an invaluable contributor to both education and clinical veterinary practice.

🏅Awards and Recognition 

Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa has been recognized for her outstanding academic and professional contributions to veterinary science and epidemiology. Her most notable accolade is the CNPq Postdoctoral Abroad Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue further studies in veterinary science. Additionally, she has received multiple grants, including funding from CAPES (Brazil) and the Canadian Government for her specialization in epidemiology. Anna’s research in veterinary epidemiology, particularly in zoonotic diseases, has earned her several citations in international journals. Her work in the prevention and control of bovine brucellosis and leptospirosis in public shelters has been pivotal to advancing veterinary public health. Anna’s efforts in epidemiology education, research, and fieldwork have made her a respected figure in the veterinary community, and her expertise continues to be recognized by academic institutions and scientific bodies worldwide.

🌍 Research Skills On Epidemiology

Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa’s research skills are rooted in her extensive training in veterinary science, epidemiology, and public health. She excels in data analysis and epidemiologic modeling, crucial for assessing and controlling zoonotic diseases. Her research expertise spans a wide range of subjects, from molecular biology and microbiology to collective health. Anna has developed robust research methodologies, including spatiotemporal analysis and network analysis, to assess disease outbreaks and health risks. Her ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and surveillance studies is evident in her work on bovine brucellosis and leptospirosis in Brazil. Furthermore, Anna is highly skilled in integrating One Health approaches into her research, which considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Her research has led to significant publications in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating her aptitude in advancing veterinary epidemiology and contributing valuable knowledge to the scientific community.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Clinical-epidemiological profile of the canine population in a shelter, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2019-2020
    • Authors: Raisa Abreu Bragança Colocho, Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa, Blenda Araujo Martins Ferreira, Amanda Carvalho Rosado Ferreira, Dircéia Aparecida da Costa Custódio, Carine Rodrigues Pereira, Erika Aparecida Oliveira, Isaac David Pineda Sirias, Sérgio Novais de Melo, Ana Beatriz Barion Souza, et al.
    • Citation: Colocho, R.A.B., Costa, A.C.T.R.B., Ferreira, B.A.M., Ferreira, A.C.R., Custódio, D.A.C., Pereira, C.R., Oliveira, E.A., Sirias, I.D.P., Melo, S.N., Souza, A.B.B. (2025). Clinical-epidemiological profile of the canine population in a shelter, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2019-2020. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.
  • Resistance Training Improves the Immune Response, Mainly Associated with CD8+ T Lymphocytes and B Lymphocytes, in Mice
    • Authors: Fernanda Cristina Pedro, Marina Martins de Oliveira, Rafaella Silva Andrade, Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa, Carine Rodrigues Pereira, Pedro Felipe Rodrigues e Oliveira, Soraia Macari, Cândido Celso Coimbra, Elaine Maria Seles Dorneles, Luciano José Pereira
    • Citation: Pedro, F.C., de Oliveira, M.M., Andrade, R.S., Costa, A.C.T.R.B., Pereira, C.R., Rodrigues e Oliveira, P.F., Macari, S., Coimbra, C.C., Dorneles, E.M.S., Pereira, L.J. (2024). Resistance training improves the immune response, mainly associated with CD8+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, in mice. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology.
  • Network vulnerability of cattle movement in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2013 to 2022
    • Authors: Anna Cecília Trolesi Reis Borges Costa, Lara Savini, Luciana Faria de Oliveira, Andrey Pereira Lage, Elaine Maria Seles Dorneles, Luca Candeloro
    • Citation: Costa, A.C.T.R.B., Savini, L., de Oliveira, L.F., Lage, A.P., Dorneles, E.M.S., Candeloro, L. (2024). Network vulnerability of cattle movement in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2013 to 2022.