SHEIKH MOHAMMAD SAYEM

Prospective Graduate Student | Aspiring Economist & Researcher

I am an aspiring Economist and Researcher with a sound academic background in Economics and a growing focus on labor economics, environmental and resource economics, development economics and political economy. I am interested in how economic theory connects with global development, labor markets, and public policy. This approach helps me understand the complex issues economies face today. I bring both analytical skills and creative thinking, which help me work with data and find practical solutions. Driven by a commitment to meaningful impact, I aim to apply my expertise to real-world issues and contribute to policies that are effective, inclusive, and equitable.

EDUCATION

Master of Social Science in Economics

Research Areas: Environmental & Resource Economics, Urban & Labor Economics, Development Economics, Behavioral Economics, Public Policy, and Political Economy

Bachelor of Social Science in Economics

Core Courses: Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Statistics, Econometrics, Resource and Environmental Economics, Research Methodology, Public Finance, Labor Economics, Financial Investment and Security Analysis, Health Economics, and Political Economy of Underdevelopment

Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)

Secondary School Certificate (SSC)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A comprehensive overview of my academic, teaching, industry, and service experiences that have shaped my professional development and research expertise.

Research Associate

Full Time

• Analyze panel datasets on green finance’s role in building a circular economy.
• Estimate difference-in-differences models of green financing’s impact on academic outcomes using Stata; run robustness checks (event study, placebo tests).
• Design and code stakeholder surveys (Qualtrics → R) to assess adoption of green practices in higher education institutions.
• Prepare reproducible replication files (R/Stata scripts, README) for transparency and policy use.

Research Intern

Full Time

Analyzed customs and tariff data (2020–2024) using panel regressions and event-study methods to assess the impact of anti-dumping and countervailing measures.
Scraped and compiled import price series; computed injury margins and estimated pass-through effects.
Covered 50 firm-level surveys, 30 key informant interviews, and 4 focus group discussions with industry stakeholders; coded qualitative data in NVivo for thematic analysis.
Drafted a 10-page policy brief with sensitivity analyses and visualizations, submitted to the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission.

Data Enumerator

Full Time

Administered online surveys via KoboToolbox to 200 respondents across stratified demographic groups; achieved 60% response rate.
Conducted follow-up interviews to validate responses and ensure representativeness.
Cleaned and coded survey data for analysis; prepared summary tables and inputs for public health policy reports.

Leadership Facilitator

Full Time

Contributed to curriculum design and co-facilitated sessions using experiential learning.
Tracked attendance, evaluated assignments, and facilitated case consultations for over 300 participants.
Mentored student teams in project design, monitoring, and evaluation.

PUBLICATIONS

A collection of my academic contributions, including peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and ongoing research projects.

Exchange Rate Volatility in Bangladesh: An Exploration of the Leverage Effect of Positive and Negative Economic News

Published

Cited 0 Times

This paper investigates how positive and negative economic news affect exchange rate volatility in Bangladesh, focusing on the BDT/USD rate from 1982 to 2022. Using an EGARCH (1,1) model, the study reveals a reversed leverage effect, where positive news (currency appreciation) leads to higher volatility than negative news. This finding contrasts with traditional financial theory, which usually associates greater volatility with bad news. The study highlights unique dynamics in Bangladesh’s exchange market and offers valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and financial analysts. It contributes to the literature by uncovering asymmetric volatility behavior in an emerging economy context.

Keywords:

Exchange rate, Volatility, GARCH, TGARCH, EGARCH, Leverage effect, Bangladesh

Ice, Power, And Ambition: The Global Struggle For The Arctic

Published

This article shows how rapid Arctic warming is reshaping global geopolitics, turning the once-stable High North into a zone of rising strategic competition. It explains why major powers, especially Russia, the US, China, and NATO members, are intensifying their pursuit of new sea routes, resources, and military advantage, even as governance mechanisms like the Arctic Council weaken. Ultimately, the article argues that the Arctic is entering a protracted struggle over rules and influence rather than becoming a new global shipping hub.

Beyond First-Past-The-Post: Can Proportional Representation Transform Bangladesh’s Electoral Landscape?

Published

Proportional Representation (PR) has returned to Bangladesh’s political debate as an alternative to the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system. Smaller parties advocate for it, while major parties like the BNP remain opposed. Used in 93 countries through party list, mixed-member, or single transferable vote systems, PR aims to make elections more representative. Supporters argue it could reduce electoral violence, manipulation, and costs, while promoting fairer inclusion of women and minorities. Critics, however, warn of political fragmentation and governance challenges, raising doubts about whether Bangladesh’s fragile political culture is ready for such a reform.

Transatlantic Turbulence: How Trump’s Second Term Reshapes US-Europe Diplomacy

Published

Donald Trump’s second term as the 47th US President heightens transatlantic concerns. His first term’s “America First” policies strained European relations, triggering trade disputes, NATO tensions, and weakening joint engagement. Now, Europe faces uncertainty, with potential trade wars and defense realignments on the horizon. The European Union must protect economic stability and security partnerships amid this volatility. Trump’s approach raises serious questions about the resilience of traditional alliances and the future of US–EU cooperation, challenging Europe to adapt strategically while preserving its collective influence on global trade and security.

Reassessing Alliances: The Maldives’ Foreign Policy Transformation with India

Published

This article examines the Maldives’ shifting foreign policy, focusing on its ties with India. Under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Maldives followed an “India First” approach, strengthening relations. The election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who initially supported an “India Out” stance, marked a notable change. Although he ordered the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, Muizzu later sought to maintain good ties with India due to economic pressures. During a visit to India, he recognized its role as a key ally and announced cooperative initiatives, including a $50 million aid package, highlighting the Maldives’ need to balance relations with India and China amid evolving geopolitics.

The Impact of Ethnicity on Earning Gaps in Bangladesh: Evidence from the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Data collection and analysis are in progress

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Keywords:

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The Impact of Climate Change on Labor Health and Agricultural Production: A Case Study of Agricultural Practice in Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, and Sunamganj Districts

Analysis is in progress

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Keywords:

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Barriers to Accessing Green Credit and Sustainable Investment in Bangladesh’s Industrial Sector: The Experience from the Textile Industry

Literature Review is in progress

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Keywords:

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The Role of Green Finance in Mitigating the Environmental Cost of Industrialization: Evidence from Bangladesh

Literature Review is in progress

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Keywords:

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SKILLS

A collection of my academic contributions, including peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and ongoing research projects.

Work Ethics

Teamwork

Negotiation

Public Speaking

Gsuite

SPSS

STATA

R

KoboToolbox

Zotero

Power BI

Bengali

Native

English

Proficiency Level High

French

Basic

AWARDS

A collection of my academic contributions, including peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and ongoing research projects.

Runners Up

Essay Writing Competition [2025]

Bronze Level Winner

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award [2024]

2nd Runners Up

Bangladesh and World Olympiad [2023]

GET IN TOUCH

I welcome opportunities for collaboration, academic discussions, and professional networking. Feel free to reach out for research inquiries, speaking opportunities, or academic consultation.

Contact Information

Research Collaboration

I am open to research collaboration opportunities and welcome engagement in interdisciplinary projects that drive innovation and meaningful impact. I would be glad to connect with researchers, academics, and institutions interested in potential partnerships. Please feel free to reach out if you are exploring avenues for collaboration or have funding opportunities for joint research initiatives.

Professional Networking

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Professional Networking