Motivated by a desire to make a difference, Ruhani Walia wants to use her University of Toronto degree in economics to improve lives and drive meaningful change.
"I'm leaving U of T with an education that's given me tools for breaking down issues I care about into their fundamentals - getting to the root cause instead of just treating the symptoms," says Walia, who earned her honours bachelor of science as a member of Victoria College.
As an economics major, Walia focused on data analytics, with a double minor in computer science and statistical sciences.
Walia arrived on the St. George campus with a U of T National Scholarship, awarded to students across Canada for outstanding academic achievement and leadership, and was later selected for the Laidlaw Scholars Programme , an internationally funded initiative that supports undergraduate research, leadership development and global engagement.
During her time at U of T, she also served in an executive role in the Canadian Undergraduates in Behavioural Science club, embarked on a fourth-year exchange to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and performed with the Hart House Singers.
Walia intends to pursue a master's degree in economics, but for now, she is absorbing all she can as a full-time research assistant with the Bank of Canada's macro financial modelling team.
Writer David Goldberg recently asked Walia to reflect on her most vivid U of T memories and talk about where she's headed next.
Can tell me a little bit about the research questions you want to tackle?
I'm intrigued by the idea of incorporating more human behaviour trends into economic models. Many of today's models assume humans are rational, but now, behavioural economics - what I specialize in - is finally gaining more traction. We know people are irrational and make consumer decisions based on emotion, so how do we turn that into a mathematical equation?
I want to make models that consider the complexity of humanity.
What were some of the highlights of your U of T experience?
I learned about the Laidlaw Scholars Programme while applying to U of T and was immediately drawn to the leadership in action experience and the opportunity to work with underserved communities around the world.
In my first summer with the program, I worked on a research paper at an economics lab in Toronto and ran my own experiment. I examined how different types of observation - video surveillance versus direct observation - impact generosity in economic decision-making scenarios. I worked with Professor Bob Gazzale, who I still consider one of my greatest mentors.
In my second summer as a Laidlaw Scholar, I travelled to a small village in the Fiji islands, where I helped build a community medical dispensary and delivered mental health workshops for youth. It taught me a lot about compassion, empowering others and celebrating a different culture. It's true what they say: when you travel, you meet new parts of yourself.
How did scholarships enable your success at U of T?
My scholarships are the reason I got to experience so much during my undergraduate degree without the burden of financial stress.
Academic awards also allowed time to network with people I may have missed if I'd had to hold down a part-time job while studying. Living in downtown Toronto - one of the best cities ever - and attending U of T as a member of Victoria College was a tremendously valuable experience and I'm grateful for every moment of it.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Your path may be different, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. I made some unconventional choices by pursuing research and passion projects outside the classroom, and that made my days look different from those of other people I knew. But I learned that's OK - you can be the first one to take a new path and define what university is.
