INVEST visitor: Trisha Chanda

In the “INVEST visitors” series, we present visiting professors and fellows who have arrived at the flagship INVEST. This time we are introducing postdoctoral research scientist Trisha Chanda.

I am Trisha Chanda, a postdoctoral research scientist at the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am a family economist and poverty researcher, interested in studying the consequences of family change on economic wellbeing. I use an interdisciplinary approach to study the relationship between family structures, gender, economic wellbeing, and public policy in the United States, India, and other international contexts.

Why do you want to visit INVEST?

INVEST’s commitment towards improving individual and family wellbeing through rigorous empirical research – often in international and comparative contexts – is what draws me to it the most as an applied social scientist. INVEST researchers have a diverse body of work, which not only allows for several potential opportunities for collaboration, but also centers an interdisciplinary approach in answering complex research questions, such as the intergenerational mobility and transfers of health, wealth, and wellbeing, economic implications of changing and complex family forms, and the relevance of policy contexts in social phenomena.

What do you expect/hope to reach during your visit to INVEST?

During my time at INVEST, I am expecting to work with Prof. Mia Hakovirta and her team to study the economic implications of shared physical custody arrangements for parents undergoing a divorce across multiple countries. I am also hoping to meet other researchers with similar interests, forge new collaborations, and make new friends during my stay here!