Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, MS - Graduated May 2025
What was your path to Northeastern?
My journey was a mix of ambition, curiosity, and deep desire to challenge myself. After finishing my undergraduate degree in economics from Jai Hind College in Mumbai, India, I knew I wanted more than just theoretical knowledge. I wanted to continue to learn so I could have the tools to use in order to make a real world impact. What drew me to Northeastern was its strong focus on experiential learning, research, and public policy that provide learning opportunities that extend to real-world problem-solving.
What drove you to choose a focus in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics?
During my undergraduate studies, I was exposed primarily to the theoretical and historical sides of economics—concepts, models, and how they’ve evolved over time. Although I learned a lot, I still felt something was missing from my academics. While interning for the Indian government, I began to realize the immense power of data in decision-making. I saw firsthand how numbers could easily influence a policy, and the science behind policymaking. I chose a Master of Science so I could use my knowledge about data to make an actual impact.
The econometrics part of my studies focuses on translating quantitative data into actionable insights. It considers the community firsthand in addition to the data metrics during research. When I was a research assistant for about a year, the first half of the year focused on quantitative modeling, and after accumulating data, we moved to a series of workshops working directly with communities to find more precise solutions.
What is it like to be a graduate student at CSSH? How was it different from your undergrad experience?
It was like being handed a telescope after years of looking through a window.
Disha Kamlesh ’25
Everything was different, from class dynamics and expectations to measures of success. I engaged a lot with professors, such as Xiaolin Shi and Madhavi Venkatesan, who were particularly impactful inside the classroom. I also learned a lot from professors like Patrice Williams, Josh Lown, and Roger Sparks, who helped me outside of the classroom, such as being a research assistant for various projects. The program allowed me to transform my love of economics into an expertise, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and develop my own voice.
It’s almost like my undergraduate degree taught me the “what” and my masters taught me the “why” and “how”.
Disha Kamlesh ’25
What has your experience as an international student been like? How has Northeastern helped you acclimate to Boston and its campus here?
Being an International student is both exciting and overwhelming. Everything from the academic system to the culture and weather was different, but Northeastern became my anchor. From day one I felt seen, heard, and supported. Despite being an international student, I always felt included. Snell Library became my second home; where I spent a lot of late nights learning, exploring, and dreaming. I feel that the faculty and staff at CSSH genuinely cared, which made all the difference for me. I didn’t just survive but was able to thrive here.
Can you tell me more about the experiential learning opportunities you pursued at CSSH?
My most important experience was my time learning with McKinsey & Company through the co-op program. I got to work with state governments, universities, private businesses, and seasoned consultants on complex, real-world challenges. It taught me how the consulting world worked and helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional execution. I was no longer just reading about the policies but also contributing to them. It was single-handedly the most defining experience in my academic journey.
You’ve been very involved during your time here in various roles such as as a peer mentor for the Bridge to Calculus program, President of the Master’s Student Association, and as a research and teaching assistant. What drew you to pursue these roles?
Every role I took was a step forward toward becoming the best version of myself. Being a peer mentor for the Bridge to Calculus program allowed me to help and guide high school students into STEM programs and build confidence in pursuing higher education. Similarly, being President of the Master’s Student Association was about building community and fostering passions.
A room of undergrads staring at me when I was a TA for classes such as “Principles of Microeconomics, Statistics, and Crime Economics,” was intimidating at first, but it helped me develop my public speaking skills. As a research assistant, I worked on projects that touched on development, policy, and social impact—including some with the City of Boston. These roles helped me upskill, build relationships, and even support myself financially. They made me who I am today.
What has been your proudest moment at Northeastern?
It was standing with the platform party during CSSH’s Commencement Celebration and delivering the graduate student speech. That moment was surreal; it was a culmination of every late night and hard-earned grade coming to fruition. When I saw tears in my parents’ eyes on the livestream, and when my professors told me I had represented CSSH and the Department of Economics with pride, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. That moment will live with me forever.
What got you through the challenging times while pursuing your degree?
There were days when I questioned myself, missed home, or felt overwhelmed. But three things kept me going: resilience, faith, and people. I always believed no challenge is too big if you keep moving towards it. That belief gave me strength to keep moving forward, and I’m a spiritual person. My faith in God kept me going, so I could never let myself stay down for too long.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned during your time at CSSH?
My biggest lesson is that I’m capable of more than I think. Northeastern cultivated my interests and taught me to stretch my limits, to speak up, to take initiative, and to lead. I realized that learning to ask for help is never a bad thing but a sign of strength, and consistency beats talent. Show up, stay committed, and the results will follow.
With a degree in hand, what are your future plans?
I’m excited to begin my next chapter as an economic analyst with the Public Service Commission of the State of Montana. This role is a natural extension of everything I’ve
worked toward—using economic analysis to support policy, regulation, and public good. It’s not a job to me but a mission. I want to be part of a solution and to use economics as a tool to change.
What advice would you give incoming graduate students?
Don’t box yourself in; say yes more often to projects outside your comfort zone and conversations that challenge your views. Your professors are more than just teachers.
Don’t just chase grades but chase growth, I believe that’s where change happens.
Disha Kamlesh ’25
You’re never alone, CSSH always has resources or someone to help you.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to every CSSH professor, peer, and mentor who believed in me. Northeastern gave me not only an education, but a community, a purpose, and a version of myself I’d never met before. If this journey has taught me anything, it’s that no dream is too big, and no person is too small to make a difference.
Following her graduation in May, Disha will be joining the State of Montana’s Public Service Commission as an economic analyst.
Written and photographed by Sierra Desai.
