Nilesh Fernando

A. Nilesh Fernando is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame and a faculty affiliate at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT, as well as an affiliate of the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD). His research focuses on labor market frictions, agricultural technology adoption in South Asia, and development economics. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and a B.A. from Hampshire College. His work has been featured in leading journals such as the Economic Journal, American Economic Review-Insights, and Journal of Development Economics, and has been covered by media outlets including The Hindu, Financial Times, and Harvard Business Review.

Education:

• Ph.D., Harvard University, 2015
• B.A., Hampshire College, 2007

Research Interests:
Dr. Fernando’s work examines how structural and institutional factors influence labor markets and technology adoption. He investigates issues such as migration patterns following natural disasters, the role of online platforms in reducing hiring frictions, and the socio-economic impacts of inherited land ownership in agricultural economies. His studies often combine field experiments with rigorous econometric analysis to inform policy design.

Awards and Media:
While no formal awards are listed, his research has attracted significant media attention, reflecting its societal relevance. His findings on cricket peer dynamics and Gulf migration outcomes exemplify his ability to bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world applications.

Advising and Grants:
No specific advising or grant details are provided in the texts, though his affiliations with J-PAL and BREAD suggest involvement in collaborative research initiatives.

Labs and Teams:
His affiliations with J-PAL and BREAD indicate participation in interdisciplinary teams focused on evidence-based poverty reduction strategies and development economics.