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

 

 

Livingstone Edward | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Livingstone Edward | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Research Fellow from University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Livingstone Edward Xetor is a dynamic and emerging development researcher with strong expertise in monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, and economic development. He currently serves as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer and has contributed significantly to research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the British Council. Xetor has experience working on projects that address educational outcomes, digital finance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in respected journals like Sustainable Development and the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, alongside numerous ongoing studies. With a blend of academic insight and hands-on field experience, he has played vital roles in data collection, tool development, report writing, stakeholder mobilization, and training facilitation. Livingstone is committed to conducting transformative research that influences policy and practice, particularly in the socio-economic landscape of Ghana. He has demonstrated competence with both qualitative and quantitative methods and is proficient in data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, and NVivo. Xetor’s passion for research, paired with his solid foundation in development economics, positions him as a promising scholar. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and a drive to make impactful contributions in development and policy circles.

Professional Profile

Education

Livingstone Edward Xetor’s academic background lays a strong foundation for his work in research and development. He holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Development Studies with a concentration in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, which he completed in 2022. His postgraduate studies emphasized advanced research methodologies, economic theory, and policy-oriented analysis, equipping him with the knowledge to evaluate complex development challenges. Prior to his MPhil, he earned a Bachelor of Education in Management and Economics from the same university in 2018. This undergraduate training provided him with essential skills in financial management, economics, and educational instruction, which later supported his work as a teaching assistant and education consultant. Throughout his academic journey, Livingstone has demonstrated a keen interest in integrating theory with practice, as reflected in his postgraduate dissertation on financial literacy and micro-enterprise performance. His continuous pursuit of knowledge is further demonstrated by his active participation in workshops, webinars, and professional forums related to development studies and evaluation. Looking ahead, his academic growth would benefit from enrollment in a PhD program, enabling deeper specialization and broader contributions to the field. Overall, his educational background reflects a commitment to academic rigor and interdisciplinary learning.

Professional Experience

Livingstone Edward Xetor possesses a solid blend of academic and professional experiences that showcase his versatility and dedication to development research. From July 2020 to March 2024, he worked as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer at MKA Education Services Limited, where he contributed to various national and international consultancy projects. His responsibilities included designing M&E tools, drafting reports and proposals, conducting data analysis, facilitating training sessions, and organizing stakeholder engagements. Prior to this, he served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Cape Coast’s School of Business from 2018 to 2019, where he supported academic instruction, evaluated student assessments, and contributed to curriculum delivery. In 2017, he briefly taught Financial Accounting at Keta Business Senior High School. His involvement in major consultancy projects—such as the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP), the Electoral Support Activity (ESA), and the Amplify Ghana Project—demonstrates his ability to collaborate with government institutions, NGOs, and development agencies. These roles have deepened his understanding of project management, policy evaluation, and field research. Collectively, Xetor’s professional experience illustrates a trajectory of growth grounded in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based development programming.

Research Interests

Livingstone Edward Xetor’s research interests are rooted in the socio-economic development space, with a particular emphasis on financial inclusion, educational policy, youth development, and governance. His work explores the intersection of economic empowerment and institutional frameworks, with the aim of producing transformative insights that inform both policy and practice. He is especially drawn to issues of inclusive growth, financial literacy, and digital finance, as demonstrated in his postgraduate research and ongoing academic projects. Additionally, he is deeply interested in how peace, governance, and participatory processes influence the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in African contexts. His consultancy experience on education and electoral projects has sparked further interest in monitoring public programs and assessing their impact on social equity. Another emerging focus area for Xetor is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where he seeks to understand the barriers affecting exporters and regional trade integration. He also explores gender analysis and social protection systems, particularly in underserved communities. Through a blend of empirical studies and policy-oriented research, Livingstone aims to influence development outcomes by producing evidence that is practical, actionable, and inclusive. His research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous, participatory inquiry.

Research Skills

Livingstone Edward Xetor brings a robust set of research skills honed through years of academic study and professional application. He is well-versed in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and has demonstrated competence in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. His experience with developing research instruments, conducting interviews, and performing thematic analysis positions him as a well-rounded researcher. Livingstone is proficient in the use of statistical software such as SPSS and STATA for quantitative data, and NVivo for qualitative analysis. His proposal writing skills are evidenced by his successful involvement in consultancy projects funded by international organizations like the World Bank and USAID. He is skilled at writing concept notes, research reports, training manuals, and policy briefs, all tailored to meet the standards of academia and the development sector. Additionally, his facilitation experience makes him effective in organizing stakeholder engagements and disseminating research findings. He is adept at logical framework development, monitoring and evaluation design, and policy analysis, all of which are essential in applied research contexts. His multidisciplinary skillset, combined with critical thinking, resilience, and emotional intelligence, allows him to adapt to varied research environments. Collectively, these skills make him an asset in both academic and consultancy-based research settings.

Awards and Honors

While Livingstone Edward Xetor has not explicitly listed formal awards or honors in his curriculum vitae, his professional track record and academic involvement suggest several forms of recognition through merit-based participation and affiliations. He has consistently contributed to high-level consultancy projects, often funded by prestigious global organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the British Council—indicative of professional trust in his expertise. His co-authorship in peer-reviewed journals such as Sustainable Development and the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development demonstrates academic recognition and peer validation. Moreover, Xetor’s participation in international forums and webinars—such as those hosted by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank—points to his active engagement with global research networks. Additionally, he holds student memberships in respected professional bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), the Ghana Monitoring and Evaluation Forum (GMEF), and the Institute for Directors Ghana (IoD-GH). These affiliations reflect his ongoing commitment to professional development and ethical research conduct. While formal accolades may follow as his career progresses, his current engagements reflect the esteem and confidence placed in him by institutions and collaborators alike. Recognition through impactful work remains a consistent theme in his emerging scholarly journey.

Conclusion

Livingstone Edward Xetor represents a highly capable and forward-thinking development researcher with a promising academic and professional trajectory. His experience spans a diverse range of sectors including education, governance, economic empowerment, and youth development, all grounded in a firm foundation of evidence-based analysis and practical fieldwork. Through his role as a MERL Officer and his involvement in consultancy projects with institutions such as the World Bank and USAID, he has demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of policy impact and community engagement. His scholarly contributions, though still emerging, are impactful and targeted toward real-world challenges. He combines strong research skills with a passion for inclusive growth, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and development discourse. As he continues to build his profile through further studies, international collaborations, and publication outputs, Xetor is well-positioned to become a thought leader in development economics and evaluation. His work embodies a commitment to transformative research that bridges the gap between theory and practice. With continued support and recognition, he has the potential to make significant and lasting contributions to development policy and scholarship in Ghana and beyond.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development Nexus: Where Is the Synergy?

  • Authors: Livingstone Edward Xetor; Justice Mensah

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Sustainable Development

  • DOI: 10.1002/sd.3430