Rigissa Megalokonomou

My research interests are in line with applied micro-economics, especially focusing on policy-relevant questions in education and labor economics. I am interested in understanding how do social comparisons and generally social interactions affect students' productivity, educational choices and labor market outcomes. Knowing how one's characteristics compare to those of other individuals is important in many concepts of economic decision making. I am also interested in assessing education policies at any school level with implications to the labor market that are aiming at improving disadvantaged students' outcomes. My research contributes to a deeper understanding of the existing factors and the consideration of new factors in the education production function. My research addresses original, causal and policy-relevant questions such as: Do students improve their performance when they know their rank? Do peer networks (schoolmates and neighbors) affect students' college enrollment? Does class attendance increase educational outcomes? Can teachers' stereotypic behavior explain the gender inequalities in achievements or the gender occupational gaps? By how much does a €1200 bursary at the age of 18 raise wages and affect migration decisions? What is the effect of the current financial crisis on students' preferences over college majors? My research has also received media attention. It is very interesting to communicate with a general audience.