Hello, Hello, Hello! I’m Ashrita Mohanty, a passionate senior pursuing Econometrics and Quantitative Economics with minors in Statistics and Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My academic journey has taken me from the vibrant culture of India in 2022 to the enriching halls of UIUC, where I’m set to graduate in May 2026.
In between the bustling classes and lectures, I’m actively involved in various facets of campus life. I channel my boss lady energy as the Co-Chair of the International Student Advisory Board, shaping the way international students connect and communicate within our community here at Illinois. As a Research Assistant for the Department of Economics, I have been working with Professor Joshua Shea (Josh!) and Abigail Stocker since February 2025. One of my recent projects, which I also presented in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, is “Child Marriage and Later Life Outcomes: Evidence from Climate-Induced Variations in Sub-Saharan Africa”. Working on it has been a super cool experience because I discovered a new programming software called Stata in the process (Have you heard of it?).
I also currently work with the Department of STAT/CS/IS as a course assistant (maybe I’ll spot some of you in my class or lab, you never know!). Additionally, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to help bring TEDxUIUC to life in the past, a platform that ignites dialogues and connects minds. But what truly makes my heart swell with pride are the moments I capture as a photographer—my favorite memory here at UIUC. Each snapshot of my fellow students is a testament to the spirit and love I hold for our university.
My life is a canvas of experiences, from the energy I share with every new person I meet, to the cultures I explore through my travels, and every dance move that echoes my journey. I’m all about making memories and savoring each chapter of my story. If you’re ever curious about my experiences or just want to say hi, feel free to drop me an email at ashrita3@illinois.edu.