Academia is a world of intellectual curiosity, groundbreaking research, and lifelong learning. To truly understand what drives an academic, one must explore their experiences, motivations, and perspectives on education and research.
In this edition of Inside the Mind of an Academic, we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Ghosh, a distinguished scholar whose contributions to Economics have left a significant impact. With years of teaching, research, and mentorship under his belt, Dr. Ghosh offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of academia, the challenges and rewards of an academic career, and the wisdom gained from his journey.
Join us as we delve into the mind of Dr. Ghosh, his inspirations, research interests, and thoughts on the future of education and innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring academic, a student, or simply curious about the world of higher education, this interview promises to be an enlightening read.
Meet Dr. Ghosh
In this video, Dr. Ghosh introduces himself, sharing his experiences as an educator who teaches both in-person and online Economics classes. Beyond the classroom, he is deeply committed to research, with a particular interest in international trade and finance. He actively encourages his students to engage in research, fostering a culture of inquiry and academic growth.
Currently, Dr. Ghosh is preparing to take students to the Midwest Conference in Kansas City, an initiative that reflects his dedication to student engagement and professional development. His influence extends beyond teaching and research. He has served on the assessment committee in the School of Business for 20 years, playing a key role in accreditation efforts. Additionally, he contributes to institutional decision-making as part of the faculty committee responsible for evaluating research grants and serves on the search committee for the Dean of the School of Business.
Watch the video to hear Dr. Ghosh himself.
A Journey of Dedication: Dr. Ghosh’s Path to Economics
Dr. Ghosh reflects on the pivotal moments that led him into the field of Economics. His journey is not only a testament to his dedication but also serves as an inspiration for students and aspiring academics.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s story firsthand.
The Joy of Teaching at Emporia State University
In this segment of Inside the Mind of an Academic, Dr. Ghosh shares what he loves most about teaching at the Emporia State University, whether it’s the joy of seeing students grasp complex economic concepts, guiding them through research, or preparing them for real-world applications of Economics. His commitment to student success, intellectual growth, and lifelong learning is evident in every aspect of his work.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on teaching, the rewards and challenges of academia, and what continues to fuel his enthusiasm in the classroom!
Dr. Ghosh’s Approach to Teaching
For many students, Economics may seem like a complex subject, especially if they have little or no background in it. However, Dr. Ghosh has a unique approach, he sees Economics as a way of life, not just a subject to be taught, like equations and graph.
In this segment of Inside the Mind of an Academic, Dr. Ghosh explains how Economics is already a part of our daily thinking and decision-making. He believes that students naturally apply economic principles in their everyday lives, whether they realize it or not. By framing Economics as a mindset rather than just a theory, he helps students connect with the subject in a more intuitive and meaningful way.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s perspective on making Economics accessible, engaging, and relevant to students from all backgrounds.
From International Student to Academic Leader: Dr. Ghosh’s Journey and Advice
Navigating academia as an international student comes with unique challenges, Dr. Ghosh knows this journey firsthand, having once been an international student himself.
In this segment of Inside the Mind of an Academic, Dr. Ghosh shares the challenges he faced in academia and non-academia life, how he adapted, and the strategies that helped him succeed.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s inspiring story and his advice for students navigating similar challenges in their academic journey!
Bridging Theory and Practice: Dr. Ghosh on Applied Economic Research
Every scholar must determine their research focus, aligning their work with their strengths and interests. For Dr. Ghosh, the heart of his research lies in the application of economic theories, analyzing real-world data to test and validate the theories developed by others.
In this segment of Inside the Mind of an Academic, Dr. Ghosh shares his approach to research, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practical application. While theories provide foundational insights, their true strength lies in being tested against real-world scenarios. Through his work, Dr. Ghosh applies economic models to real-world data, ensuring that theory is not just an abstract concept but a tool for understanding and solving real economic problems.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s perspective on research, why application matters.
Economic Challenges and Adjusting to Change
When asked about the immediate economic challenges, Dr. Ghosh points to tariffs as a key issue impacting global trade and financial stability. While he prefers to focus on economic perspectives rather than political debates, he emphasizes the broader implications of economic policies on businesses, individuals, and society.
In this segment of Inside the Mind of an Academic, Dr. Ghosh discusses how economies must continually adjust to change, especially in the way essential services are provided to people. He highlights healthcare and basic services as critical areas of concern arguing that unless individuals can meet their basic needs, they cannot progress toward greater achievements.
From an economic standpoint, ensuring access to fundamental necessities is essential for fostering long-term growth, stability, and opportunity. Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on these pressing economic issues and how societies can adapt to better serve their populations!
AI in Academia and the Workforce
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education and the workforce, raising both opportunities and challenges. When asked about AI, Dr. Ghosh reflects on its impact on academia, particularly how students use it in their work and the fine line between assistance and plagiarism.
One of his key concerns is: To what extent are students using AI in their work, and what exactly am I grading? As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, ensuring academic integrity while leveraging AI’s benefits remains an ongoing challenge.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ghosh touches on the broader implications of AI in the labor market. While AI helps save time and enhance efficiency, the bigger question remains: To what extent will AI replace human workers? As industries evolve, understanding AI’s role in shaping the future of work is crucial.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on the challenges and opportunities of AI, both in the classroom and beyond!
Economic Schools of Thought
Economic theories provide frameworks for understanding markets, policies, and financial systems, but their application is not one-size-fits-all. When asked about economic schools of thought, Dr. Ghosh referenced the evolution from Classical Economic Theory and Keynesian Economics. Dr. Ghosh emphasizes a critical point: Economic theories must be understood in context. Even if the same economic event is happening simultaneously in different countries, the specific circumstances of each nation shape how the theory is applied. No economic model is universally applicable; instead, policies must be tailored to the unique conditions of each economy.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s perspective on the adaptability of economic theories.
Importance of Economic History
For students learning Economics, understanding historical economic events is just as important as mastering theories and models. When asked to recommend a book or paper, Dr. Ghosh emphasized the value of studying economic history.
His reasoning is simple yet profound: To understand how economies function today, we must first learn from the mistakes of the past.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on why studying economic history is essential and how it helps students build a strong foundation for understanding and shaping future economic policies!
Most Fulfilling Part of Being an Economics Professor
Teaching is more than just delivering lectures, it’s about inspiring students and seeing the impact of education in their lives. When asked about the most fulfilling part of being an Economics professor, Dr. Ghosh shared that nothing is more rewarding than when a student says, “This is what I’m doing right now based on your teaching.”
For him, the greatest satisfaction comes from students applying economic principles in real life, whether in their careers, research, or daily decision-making. The moments when students reach out to express how they now value and understand Economics reaffirm his passion for teaching.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s reflections on the joy of teaching, the impact of education, and why he remains dedicated to shaping the minds of future economists!
Current Research and Student Involvement
Research is a continuous journey of inquiry, testing theories, and contributing to knowledge. Currently, Dr. Ghosh is focusing on foreign exchange markets and their properties, examining how economic theories have held up over time in this dynamic field.
What makes his research even more rewarding is the involvement of his students. Some of them have taken their class projects to the next level, showing a strong interest in publishing their work. Recognizing their dedication, Dr. Ghosh sought out a conference where they could present their papers, giving them the opportunity to engage with the academic community and gain valuable experience.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh discuss his research on foreign exchange markets, the significance of economic theories over time, and how he is fostering student-driven research and academic engagement!
Value of Academic Conferences
Participating in academic conferences is about more than just presenting research, it’s about growth, collaboration, and learning. Dr. Ghosh spoke extensively about the upcoming Midwest Association Annual Meetings, emphasizing that the conference is not just for presenting papers but also for receiving feedback, refining research, and networking with fellow scholars.
Dr. Ghosh hopes his students gain real-world experience in presenting research, develop their academic confidence, and possibly find future research partners.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s thoughts on why conferences are essential for academic and professional growth!
Advice to High School Students
For incoming college students, building a strong foundation in key skills can make all the difference in their academic success. Dr. Ghosh offers simple yet crucial advice to high school students: pay close attention to Mathematics and English.
He emphasizes that Mathematics and English & Writing is important. The ability to write clearly and effectively is a skill that transcends disciplines. Whether in business, science, or the humanities, strong writing skills are essential for success.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on the importance of Math and Writing skills for academic and professional success!
Advice to Continuing Students and Faculty
Dr. Ghosh shares practical advice for both continuing students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of balancing responsibilities and maintaining clear expectations.
For Students: Time Management Dr. Ghosh highlights that time management is a critical skill for academic success.
For Faculty: Set Realistic Expectations Dr. Ghosh reminds faculty that students today face different challenges compared to past generations. As a result: Expectations must be fair and realistic, Rules and regulations should be clearly communicated, and Enforcement is key – If a rule is set, it must be upheld consistently to maintain structure and fairness.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on time management for students and the importance of clear expectations in academia!
Future Research in Economics
As technology continues to evolve, so does its impact on the global economy. In his final thoughts, Dr. Ghosh was asked about promising areas of economic research, and he highlighted one critical topic: the economic impact of AI on the global economy.
Watch the clip to hear Dr. Ghosh’s insights on AI and why it’s one of the most important topics in economic research today.
The Enduring Impact of Education: Reflections from Dr. Ghosh
Through this exclusive interview, Dr. Ghosh has provided invaluable insights into the world of academia, research, and the evolving landscape of Economics. From his passion for teaching and mentoring students to his dedication to applied research in international trade and finance, his journey highlights the profound impact educators have on shaping future generations.
His advice to students, mastering time management, prioritizing Mathematics and English, and embracing research opportunities serves as a guiding light for those aspiring to excel in their academic and professional pursuits. For faculty, he emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations, clear regulations, and enforcing academic integrity in an AI-driven world.
As Dr. Ghosh looks ahead, he sees the economic impact of AI on the global economy as a critical area of research, opening doors to new discussions and discoveries in Economics. His commitment to student success, academic excellence, and lifelong learning continues to inspire those around him.
This conversation is a testament to the power of education, research, and collaboration. As we reflect on Dr. Ghosh’s insights, one thing is clear academia thrives on curiosity, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Thank you for joining us in this edition of Inside the Mind of an Academic! Stay tuned for more conversations with scholars shaping the future of education and research.