My research is policy-oriented and focuses on development from the perspective of applied economics and policy evaluation. From my experience as economist and development practitioner in West Africa, I came to realize that as long as actual or potential growth is lagging, promoting economic and social development can be extremely challenging. That is why my research focuses on how economic theory and empirical analysis can provide insights to improve growth and development strategies. My main interests are in development economics, public policy, applied econometrics, and international economics with research topics such as education, poverty, inequality, labor market outcomes, and trade. My ongoing research investigates the short and long-run impact of public policies on education and labor market outcomes and their implications in terms of inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the classroom, I serve as a bridge and a facilitator to help learners connect the dots between what they already knew and the new material, so that they can synthesize knowledge almost by themselves. This strategy empowers them to feel more confident and understand how they learn. I leverage my communication skills and my passion for statistics and economics to inspire and motivate students in my class to become critical thinkers and problem solvers, through hands-on learning activities. I use my Connection System to implement three levels of connection (student self-connection, connection to instructors, and connection with classmates) that keep students active both inside and outside of the classroom.