Predoctoral Research Fellowship
Program Information
Applications will reopen in early 2025.
Launched in 2022, the PDRI-DevLab Predoctoral Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding young scholars from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with interests in international development and potential for success in an academic career in the social sciences.
The program provides exceptional young scholars with an opportunity to work with leading Penn faculty on a variety of international development research projects, invest in their technical research skills, enroll in classes, and become part of the international development research community at Penn.
While at Penn, Predoctoral Fellows receive ongoing mentorship from Penn faculty, including advice and support on PhD applications. We expect individuals to work in this role for 1-2 years, before starting PhD level studies in the social sciences, or moving into applied social science careers.
Current Predoctoral Fellows
Mahda Soltani
Born and raised in Iran, Mahda Soltani, holds a B.S. in Computer Science, a B.A. in Political Science with Departmental Honors, and a B.A. in Law, Societies. Leveraging her interdisciplinary background, Mahda harnesses the transformative capabilities of data science and artificial intelligence to promote global peace and enhance international relations.
Yezgi Ecem Yilmaz
Born and raised in Türkiye, Ezgi Ecem holds a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University. Previously, she worked as a research intern at RTI International and as a consultant at MSI International. Her coursework and interests include political economy, rural development, international law, and gender equality with a passion for improving the welfare of socio-economically and historically disadvantaged groups for promoting social justice and peace.
Iman Dahr
Iman holds a master’s degree in Economic Analysis and Public Policy, as well as a bachelor’s degree in applied economics from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco. With a robust background in research and analysis, she has previously contributed as a Research Associate at J-PAL. Iman is deeply passionate about addressing various development challenges relating to employment, climate change and poverty, and leveraging her education to drive impactful change and sustainable growth in developing communities.
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Jitender Swami
Before coming to Penn, Jitender Swami worked as an Academic (Research & Teaching) Associate at the Indian Institute of Management Amritsar in the Department of Economics. Previously, he was a Writing Urban India Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, India, and a Research Intern at Hyderabad Urban Lab. Jitender has a Masters in Development Studies from the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad and a Bachelors in Economics from the Central University of Karnataka. His interests lie in engaging with and contributing to academic research, especially the kind that strongly influences development policy and improves individual and collective human experiences.
Rethis Gansey
Before coming to Penn, Rethis worked at the Africa Institute for Research in Economics and Social Sciences (AIRESS) in Rabat, and previously served at the National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INStaD-Benin). Rethis has a Master’s in Economic Analysis and Public Polocy from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, a Master’s in Development Economics from the University of Paris, Dauphine, and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied States from the University of Parakou.
Predoctoral Research Fellowship Program Alumni
Takondwa (TK) Moyo
Takondwa has a Master of Science in Policy Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and a Bachelor of Science from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. TK primarily supported research projects on conservation and human trafficking.