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
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Poverty and migration in the digital age: Experimental evidence on mobile banking in Bangladesh
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Authors: JN Lee, J Morduch, S Ravindran, A Shonchoy, H Zaman
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Citations: 215
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Year: 2021
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Migration, externalities, and the diffusion of COVID-19 in South Asia
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Authors: JN Lee, M Mahmud, J Morduch, S Ravindran, AS Shonchoy
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Citations: 81
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Year: 2021
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Can solar lanterns improve youth academic performance? Experimental evidence from Bangladesh
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Determinants of government consumption expenditure in developing countries: A panel data analysis
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Author: AS Shonchoy
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Citations: 50
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Year: 2010
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Narrowing the gender gap in mobile banking
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The informal labour market in India: Transitory or permanent employment for migrants?
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Impact of electrification on children’s nutritional status in rural Bangladesh
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Fertility and rural electrification in Bangladesh
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The impact of a computer-based adult literacy program on literacy and numeracy: Evidence from India
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Primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Bangladesh: Achievements and challenges