THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Nour Abdelbaki (Class of 2025)
Nour Abdelbaki, a second-year student in MACSS Economics, has a clear vision for her academic and professional future. Her research interests lie at the intersection of economic policies and social welfare, particularly in developing economies. Nour's work aims to explore how these policies can be optimized to balance economic efficiency with social benefits. "I employ rigorous quantitative methods and analytical tools," she explains, "which allow me to dissect complex issues and develop solutions that are both effective and sustainable."
Choosing MACSS was a strategic decision for Nour; the program's blend of cutting-edge analytical tools and strong theoretical foundations appealed to her academic ambitions. "The program's unique structure allows me to develop a deep understanding of economic theories while also gaining practical skills in data analysis and computational methods, making it the perfect environment for my academic and research goals," she shares. Her favorite classes, particularly the foundational Perspectives sequence, have challenged her problem-solving abilities and introduced her to large-scale computing. Nour highlights how these rigorous courses have pushed her to expand her technical capabilities and apply them to socially relevant topics.
Nour noted that the tight-knot community has been a favorite part of her experience. “The smaller cohort size fosters strong bonds among students and ensures close interaction with instructional professors,” she says. She finds that community helpful in navigating the UChicago’s rigorous quarter system, where courses move at a fast pace, requiring continuous adaptation and time management.
As she moves into her second year in the program, Nour’s focus is shifting to her thesis. Her planned thesis will focus on optimizing pricing for Egypt's Universal Health Insurance System, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access without compromising financial stability. Currently collaborating with instructional professors, she appreciates the support from her cohort and faculty, which has been instrumental in refining her research. With aspirations of pursuing a PhD in Economics, Nour believes MACSS will be a steppingstone toward her goal of contributing to evidence-based policies that make a meaningful societal impact.