Jose Gomez Castro, a second-year PhD student from Mexico, has recently been awarded the Alumni Excellence Fellowship for his excellent academic performance.
What initially drew you to economics, and how did you discover CERGE-EI as the right place to pursue your PhD?
I’ve always loved how economics can tackle real-world problems and make a difference in people’s lives. Growing up, I saw how inequality and economic instability impacted my community, and I wanted to find ways to help. I found CERGE-EI because of its great reputation and focus on real-world issues. The chance to work with amazing professors and be part of such a diverse, dynamic environment made it the perfect choice for me.
What specific areas of economics are you most passionate about, and what would you like to focus on?
I’m really into development economics and understanding what makes people happy and resilient, especially in Latin America. I want to dig into how policies can reduce inequality and improve life for underserved communities while keeping things sustainable.
What makes CERGE-EI special in your eyes?
It’s the people and the vibe. The small group size means you really get to connect with professors and classmates, and everyone is super supportive. Plus, the mix of global research, cool opportunities, and cutting-edge tools makes it a place where you can really thrive.
Why do you think financial support is so important for students at CERGE-EI?
It lets us focus on what really matters—our studies and research—without worrying about making ends meet. For many of us, it’s the difference between being here or not. And knowing that people believe in us enough to support us? That’s just incredibly motivating.
What would you say to alumni and supporters considering donating to the Student Support Fund to help future students?
Your donations make a massive impact. You’re not just giving money—you’re giving students like me the chance to learn, grow, and hopefully make a difference in the world. It’s a way of paying it forward, and we’re so grateful for it. Thank you for believing in us!
The Alumni Excellence Fellowship is meant for newly enrolled students ranked as the very best by the Admission Committee and remains among the top quarter of the first-year cohort based on their cumulative GPA ranking. It can be awarded to second-year students who pass the first-year general exams with a PhD pass and rank among the top three students of their study cohort.
