Passionate about advancing evidence-based policy in low- and middle-income countries and capacity-building in urban slums, Jiya most recently worked as a Research Coordinator for the Development Innovation Lab in Uganda, managing projects in education, public governance, and community development. Previously, Jiya supported the research portfolios of development economists Michael Kremer and Rachel Glennerster at the University of Chicago. During the COVID pandemic, Jiya served as a Policy Fellow for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, focusing on research, policy advocacy, and outreach to Boston’s immigrant and refugee communities. As a Fulbright Fellow in India, she conducted an ethnography and resource mapping on NGOs and housing rights in Mumbai slums. In her free time, Jiya loves exploring urban spaces, curling up with a good book alongside her cat Abe, and trying her hand at new hobbies and languages.