Dr. Rushde Akbar | Economics | Best Researcher Award
Post-Doc from Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
Dr. Rushde Akbar is a distinguished economist and academic with a rich background in both scholarly research and applied economic analysis. Currently affiliated with New York University – Abu Dhabi and Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Akbar has demonstrated expertise in microdata analysis, labor economics, international trade, and policy evaluation. His academic and professional experiences span a range of roles including researcher, faculty member, and policy consultant. Dr. Akbar’s academic journey reflects his commitment to tackling socio-economic challenges using empirical data and econometric modeling. He has played a pivotal role in analyzing large administrative datasets from Statistics Canada to evaluate wage dynamics, productivity, and policy impacts. His academic contributions are complemented by an extensive teaching portfolio covering undergraduate and graduate courses in economics and statistics at prominent institutions such as York University, Carleton University, and North South University. In addition to academia, Dr. Akbar has engaged in impactful consultancy projects focusing on labor markets, gender equity, and industry forecasting. His research has been featured in reputable economic journals and conferences. A prolific contributor to the intersection of public policy and economic theory, Dr. Akbar continues to shape discourse on international trade, immigrant labor outcomes, and economic inequality with methodological rigor and policy relevance.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Rushde Akbar’s academic foundation is rooted in a robust and comprehensive training in economics, all attained from York University in Toronto, Ontario. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics in September 2016, completing a doctoral dissertation titled “Essays on Inequality and Productivity Growth Decomposition,” which provided critical insights into the intersection of trade, labor markets, and economic development. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Akbar received his Master’s degree in Economics in June 2010, which further honed his skills in econometric analysis, microeconomic theory, and international trade. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honors), also from York University, completed in June 2009. Dr. Akbar’s educational trajectory has been distinguished by academic excellence and multiple scholarships, including the prestigious International Student Scholarship and the Graduate Student Scholarship. His time at York University not only equipped him with deep theoretical knowledge but also provided hands-on experience with quantitative research methodologies. His dissertation and coursework laid the groundwork for a career that bridges empirical economic research with real-world policy issues. With a solid academic base, Dr. Akbar has become a prominent figure in applied economics, contributing to policy discussions, academic literature, and institutional research across Canada and beyond.
Professional Experience
Dr. Rushde Akbar’s professional experience is both diverse and impactful, combining academic instruction, high-level research, and economic consultancy. He currently holds research roles at New York University – Abu Dhabi and Toronto Metropolitan University. At NYU Abu Dhabi, he leads research on wage markdown using Statistics Canada’s administrative microdata, exploring firm-level wage behavior and its relation to export activity. As a Quantitative Project Lead at Toronto Metropolitan University, he designs and analyzes surveys focused on student housing and its broader implications. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Fellow, he conducted extensive analysis on the Canadian Employer-Employee Dynamics Dataset, evaluating programs like the Post Graduate Work Permit and their effects on international students and firms’ productivity. Dr. Akbar has also held teaching appointments at York University and Carleton University, delivering courses in statistics, research methods, microeconomics, and international trade. Earlier, as an Assistant Professor at North South University, he developed research on Latin American firm data and export dynamics. His industry experience includes working with organizations like ACTRA, the Conference Board of Canada, and Policy Research Group, where he analyzed labor markets, gender disparities, and sectoral productivity. Across all roles, Dr. Akbar has demonstrated analytical rigor, interdisciplinary thinking, and a commitment to policy-relevant economic research.
Research Interests
Dr. Rushde Akbar’s research interests lie at the confluence of labor economics, international trade, public policy, and development economics. He is particularly interested in how global trade and labor market policies shape productivity, inequality, and economic opportunities across different social groups. A major focus of his work involves examining wage structures and firm behavior using administrative microdata. His recent research investigates wage markdowns in Canadian firms, uncovering how export status and firm dynamics influence wage-setting practices. Another key area is the evaluation of immigration and labor policies, such as Canada’s Post Graduate Work Permit Program, where he assesses its impact on international student labor market outcomes. He also explores gender dynamics in trade, analyzing the representation and treatment of women in new exporting firms. Beyond Canada, Dr. Akbar has delved into issues in South Asia, such as food security, water estate allocation, and garment industry productivity. His work often emphasizes the unintended consequences of policies and the structural forces behind economic disparities. With a strong commitment to empirical validation, Dr. Akbar employs large-scale datasets and econometric models to provide actionable insights. His research not only informs academia but also offers guidance for policymakers and development organizations.
Research Skills
Dr. Rushde Akbar possesses a robust set of research skills that combine theoretical acumen with advanced empirical techniques. He is adept at working with large administrative and firm-level microdatasets, including the Canadian Employer-Employee Dynamics Dataset and other Statistics Canada databases. His ability to clean, merge, and analyze complex datasets enables him to extract meaningful insights from large-scale data. He is proficient in econometric modeling, using tools such as STATA to conduct causal inference, policy evaluation, and productivity analysis. Dr. Akbar has developed algorithms to track firms over time, estimate opportunity costs, and identify wage disparities across various segments. He also designs and implements comprehensive surveys, particularly in housing and labor market contexts, and applies linear and probability models to study outcomes like academic performance and financial stress. His skills extend to data visualization and presentation, allowing him to communicate complex findings clearly to both academic and policy audiences. Additionally, Dr. Akbar’s interdisciplinary approach integrates economic theory with real-world applications, making his research accessible and impactful. With experience in both academic and consultancy environments, he adapts quickly to diverse research demands, ensuring methodological rigor and practical relevance. These skills collectively underscore his role as a dynamic, data-driven economist.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Rushde Akbar has received recognition for his scholarly excellence and dedication to research. At York University, where he completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies, Dr. Akbar was awarded the International Student Scholarship, a prestigious honor that acknowledges outstanding academic achievement and contributions by international students. He was also a recipient of the Graduate Student Scholarship, reflecting his commitment to excellence during his advanced studies in economics. These awards not only highlight his academic distinction but also supported his continued research and development in labor economics and trade. Beyond formal scholarships, Dr. Akbar’s work has been acknowledged through invitations to present at major academic conferences such as the Canadian Economic Association, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, and the Canadian Research Data Centre Network. His research outputs, including articles under submission and peer-reviewed publications, further underscore his academic contributions. The combination of financial recognition and intellectual acclaim marks Dr. Akbar as a scholar whose work is both respected and impactful. These accolades have not only supported his academic pursuits but have also provided platforms to amplify his findings and collaborate with scholars, policymakers, and institutions globally.
Conclusion
Dr. Rushde Akbar stands as a multifaceted economist whose contributions span academic research, policy analysis, and education. His career exemplifies a rare blend of empirical rigor, policy relevance, and teaching excellence. With a solid educational foundation from York University and a rich portfolio of research and consultancy experience, Dr. Akbar has effectively bridged the gap between theoretical economics and real-world impact. Whether investigating wage markdowns, evaluating labor migration policies, or analyzing gender disparities in trade, his work provides actionable insights grounded in data. His ability to design complex models and interpret administrative microdata has made him a valuable asset to both academic institutions and industry partners. In parallel, his teaching and mentoring roles have helped shape future economists by fostering analytical thinking and research skills. His commitment to socio-economic equity is evident in projects focused on immigrant labor, gender representation, and international development. Recognized through awards, conference presentations, and journal publications, Dr. Akbar continues to influence the fields of labor economics and trade with clarity and depth. As his research evolves, Dr. Akbar is poised to remain at the forefront of economic inquiry, shaping policies and perspectives that advance inclusive and data-driven decision-making.
Publication Top Note
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Title: Assessing the Impact of the Post Graduate Work Permit Program on the Earnings of International Students: Evidence From Canadian Employer Employee Dynamics Dataset
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Authors: Rushde Akbar; Rupa Banerjee
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Year: 2025