Bhavyaa Sharma

Name: Bhavyaa Sharma

Department: Economics

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? Milam-McGinty-Kaun Award

What year do you expect to graduate? 2024 (Expected)

Where do you call home? Lucknow, India

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? The professors' warm and convivial attitude, the department's collaborative nature, and the nature.

What is your field of focus? Macro-Finance and Climate Change

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? Hopefully, be a part of an academic or a research-oriented institution.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? Some of my professors (on separate occasions) have shown more faith in me than anyone, including myself, ever has. I remember each of those interactions, and if I ever have the good fortune to mentor someone, I hope to emulate the same qualities.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? Go out into nature! Take advantage of the sun, hike among the redwoods, and go to the ocean. The way nature centers your mind is unparalleled. It makes life (academic or otherwise) much easier.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? Getting this prestigious award is an excellent validation of my teaching skills and would help me in the academic job market. Monetary support is a much-needed help as well.