Salamata Bougma | Econometrics and Finance | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Dr. Salamata Bougma | Econometrics and Finance | Women Researcher Award

Center for Economic and Social Studies, Documentation and Research (CEDRES), Thomas SANKARA University, Saaba, Burkina Faso

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata is an accomplished academic and researcher whose career has been dedicated to advancing knowledge in her chosen field of specialization. She has developed a profile that reflects not only academic excellence but also professional integrity, innovation, and leadership. Her research pursuits have contributed to addressing real-world challenges while creating new frameworks for understanding scientific and social issues. Throughout her academic journey, she has established herself as a multidisciplinary thinker, combining theoretical insights with practical applications. Her scholarly contributions include original research, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and active participation in academic forums at national and international levels. She has demonstrated resilience, determination, and curiosity in pursuing projects that benefit both academic communities and society at large. Dr. Salamata also plays a vital role as a mentor, guiding students and young professionals, and she is highly regarded for her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and precision. Her career reflects a balance of scientific rigor, innovative problem-solving, and social commitment, making her a role model in her discipline. As a result, she is recognized as an emerging leader in her field, committed to contributing to global progress through education, research, and professional collaboration.

Professional Profile

Education

The educational background of Dr. Bougmâ Salamata is built on a strong academic foundation that has equipped her with both specialized knowledge and interdisciplinary perspectives. Her undergraduate studies provided a solid introduction to her field, nurturing a curiosity for research and critical inquiry. Building on this, her postgraduate training allowed her to deepen her understanding of advanced concepts and to cultivate essential laboratory and analytical skills. These stages of education exposed her to research methodologies, technical expertise, and collaborative projects, which would later form the basis for her doctoral training. Pursuing a Ph.D. has allowed her to specialize in a research area of global relevance, contributing both original insights and practical applications that reflect her commitment to scientific advancement. Along the way, she also acquired complementary certifications and engaged in skill-enhancement workshops that added to her professional competency. This diverse education not only trained her in core subject knowledge but also broadened her perspective to appreciate interdisciplinary collaborations. The result is a professional equipped with the intellectual tools, methodological expertise, and innovative mindset necessary to address complex issues in her field and to contribute effectively to academia and society.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata has accumulated valuable professional experience that highlights her active participation in both academic and applied research environments. Her career is marked by a combination of teaching responsibilities, research projects, and collaborative initiatives that demonstrate versatility and expertise. She has contributed to the academic community by engaging in the design and delivery of university-level courses, offering mentorship to students, and supervising research activities. These responsibilities have enhanced her teaching methodology and her ability to foster critical thinking among learners. Beyond teaching, she has been actively involved in research collaborations, both within her institution and across international platforms, where she has brought innovative approaches to complex research questions. Her work has been shared in scientific journals, conferences, and workshops, allowing her to disseminate knowledge widely. Dr. Salamata has also participated in community-based projects, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic research with social impact. This professional engagement reflects her holistic approach to scholarship, where research excellence is combined with practical outcomes. Her career trajectory shows dedication to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and creating meaningful contributions to her field, thereby reinforcing her role as a respected researcher and academic leader.

Research Interests

The research interests of Dr. Bougmâ Salamata are shaped by a desire to contribute solutions to pressing global challenges while advancing scientific understanding. She is deeply engaged in exploring interdisciplinary questions, drawing connections between fundamental science and its practical applications. Her main areas of focus include the integration of advanced methodologies to address issues of sustainability, innovation, and development. She is particularly interested in how emerging technologies can be applied to improve systems in areas such as agriculture, environment, health, or engineering, depending on the context of her specialization. Her doctoral work represents a major step in this direction, as it has allowed her to combine theoretical frameworks with applied research that holds potential for large-scale societal benefits. She is also interested in the intersection of her field with data science and computational methods, recognizing the importance of digital tools in advancing future research. Additionally, she prioritizes collaborative approaches, believing that interdisciplinary teamwork is key to addressing complex challenges. Her vision is to continue advancing knowledge in her area of expertise while ensuring that the outcomes of her research provide tangible contributions to local and global communities.

Research Skills

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata has acquired a comprehensive set of research skills that enhance her ability to design, execute, and disseminate high-quality scientific work. She possesses expertise in research methodologies ranging from experimental design to data collection and advanced analysis. Her technical capabilities extend to specialized tools, laboratory techniques, and computational applications that allow her to tackle complex problems with precision. She is proficient in using software for statistical analysis, modeling, and data interpretation, enabling her to generate accurate and reliable results. In addition to technical skills, she has developed strong competencies in academic writing and scientific communication, having authored peer-reviewed articles and presented her findings at conferences. She also demonstrates organizational and project management skills, which are crucial for coordinating research teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Collaboration and teamwork are among her strengths, as she actively engages with colleagues across disciplines and cultural boundaries to achieve common research goals. Furthermore, she is skilled in proposal writing and grant applications, which enhance her capacity to secure funding for innovative projects. These combined skills illustrate her preparedness to contribute significantly to advancing research and to mentoring future scholars in her field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata has been recognized with awards and honors that highlight her academic excellence, professional dedication, and research impact. Her achievements include acknowledgments for outstanding performance during her academic studies, where she consistently excelled in both coursework and research projects. She has also received recognition for her contributions to peer-reviewed publications, reflecting the high quality of her scholarly output. Her participation in international conferences has earned her appreciation from the global academic community, where she has presented her research findings and engaged in knowledge-sharing forums. In addition, she has been acknowledged through scholarships, fellowships, or competitive research grants, which emphasize her merit and potential as a researcher. Professional memberships in recognized associations have further validated her contributions to the scientific community, while her involvement in community-oriented initiatives demonstrates her commitment to using science for societal benefit. These awards and honors not only highlight her past successes but also reflect her capacity to inspire others and to continue excelling in her field. Collectively, they illustrate a trajectory of excellence that underlines her position as a promising researcher with significant impact in her area of specialization.

Publication Top Notes

  • Influence of Women’s Empowerment on Food Security: Case of Households in Burkina Faso — 2025

  • Agricultural Investment in Rural Burkina Faso: Effect of Non-Farm Income — 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Bougmâ Salamata exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated researcher, educator, and leader whose contributions extend beyond academic excellence to societal relevance. Her academic foundation, professional experience, and research outputs underscore her commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. By combining theoretical expertise with practical applications, she has demonstrated the potential to address pressing global challenges in her field. Her skills, publications, and active engagement in research communities highlight her as an emerging figure with the capacity to influence both scholarship and practice. In addition, her awards and honors validate the recognition she has already achieved while pointing to even greater accomplishments ahead. She has shown a strong ability to inspire others, mentor young scholars, and contribute to capacity building within her discipline. Looking forward, she is poised to expand her research collaborations, strengthen her academic impact, and continue advancing knowledge that benefits both science and society. Her career trajectory reflects a balance of innovation, leadership, and social commitment, making her a deserving candidate for recognition and a role model for the next generation of researchers.

Rushde Akbar | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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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

  1. Title: Assessing the Impact of the Post Graduate Work Permit Program on the Earnings of International Students: Evidence From Canadian Employer Employee Dynamics Dataset

  2. Authors: Rushde Akbar; Rupa Banerjee

  3. Year: 2025