Three Essays on Economic Growth and Human Welfare

Abstract

(who served as the outside reader of my dissertation). Shanthi, who served as my dissertation chair, embodies the role model for academic advisors. She was selfless in lending me her time and immense expertise. Beyond guidance on academic matters, she provided invaluable moral support during the inevitable lows of the dissertation process. I cannot thank her enough. Krishna and Peter, both with long standing experience in international development, were always ready with astute observations on the implications of my work. They ensured that the analysis remained anchored to real world policy implications. Although Manisha officially served as the outside reader of the dissertation, her help far exceeded that role. She provided detailed comments on every draft I sent her, and I substantially benefitted from her feedback. It has been a joy working together. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Italo Gutierrez. Although not a de jure member of my dissertation committee, he definitely served as a de facto member. Italo has contributed immeasurably to my learning and professional development at RAND. We started working together a few weeks after I arrived at RAND, and I hope we continue working together many years after my departure. I would also like to thank the PRGS administration for their support throughout my graduate school career: