I’m a policy-oriented economist working at the intersection of macroeconomic research, strategic advocacy, and international development. My work focuses on advancing policies that promote equity, sustainability, and systemic change—especially where global economic structures constrain the ability of countries to invest in climate resilience, full employment, and inclusive development. I’ve authored publications ranging from academic articles and policy reports to editorials designed to inform decision-makers and engage broader audiences. My research has been featured in outlets such as Reuters, BBC, NPR, Al Jazeera, The Intercept, openDemocracy, Vox, and The Hill.
Whether addressing debt crises, climate finance, or economic governance, I focus on connecting policy analysis with broader structural forces. Through rigorous research, narrative work, and coalition-building, I work to examine the limitations of prevailing policy approaches and contribute to more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking economic strategies that support long-term development goals.
As a dual US and Romanian citizen, my education reflects the two places I call home. I hold a B.A. in Mathematics from Bard College, an M.S. in Economic Policy and Theory from the Levy Economics Institute, and a Ph.D. from the Bucharest University of Economics in Romania. My academic research focuses on the role of money, the international financial architecture, and the intersection between policy space and countries’ positions within a global currency hierarchy.
Work Experience
I work with international organizations and research networks as an independent economist and policy advisor, currently supporting projects with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global research network IDEAs, and the Climate and Community Institute, where I serve as a research fellow. My work focuses on global economic governance, international financial institutions, climate and development finance, industrial policy, and the digital economy. I also contribute to the analysis of current economic trends through writing and public engagement.
I occasionally work on broader topics, including macroeconomic developments, fiscal and monetary policy, and one-off projects that require original analysis and a systems-level perspective.
Selected recent projects include:
Contributed to UNCTAD’s 2023 report on Loss and Damage and led a training session for G-77 negotiators on the fiscal challenges of accessing climate finance.
Co-authored a civil society proposal with ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project on reforming the Special Drawing Rights system to better serve climate and development needs.
Conducted research for the International Trade Union Confederation on the links between debt, labor rights, and climate goals.
Coordinated a research series for the Center for Economic and Policy Research on the implications of debt for climate finance, resulting in two published reports.
Previously, I served as Senior Policy Advisor at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center, where I led research and advocacy on climate finance, debt sustainability, and IMF reform. Before that, I was Economic and Social Policy Advisor at the International Trade Union Confederation, where I focused on international economic policy and represented labor interests in global forums. I began my policy career at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, conducting macroeconomic research on fiscal policy, austerity, and financial stability.
Earlier in my career, I co-founded Economic Questions (formerly The Minskys), a pluralist economics blog, and was active in the Young Scholars Initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking.
Here are some examples of my work across different topics, including speaking engagements. A more extensive list of my publications can be found here.
If you would like to get in touch and discuss my work, have research and writing ideas, or projects that might benefit from my expertise, you can send me a message through this form.