Conversations with Tyler Raj Chetty on Teachers, Social Mobility, and How to Find Answers to Big Questions
May 24, 2017
Economics professor Raj Chetty discusses social mobility, value of kindergarten teachers, why corporations pay dividends, and his love for Piano Guys. He reflects on his personal journey, upbringing in India, and innovative research approach. The conversation also touches on underrated US state, okra's role in success, and factors affecting social mobility in the US.
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Early Academic Pursuits
- In high school, Raj Chetty wrote a paper questioning the economics of slavery presented in Time on the Cross.
- He also published a paper on electron microscopy staining techniques while working in a lab.
From Lab to Social Science
- Raj Chetty initially envisioned a career in biomedical science, working in an electron microscopy lab during high school.
- This experience shifted his interest towards statistics and social problems, ultimately leading him to economics.
Harvard and Mentorship
- Raj Chetty's father, a well-known econometrician, fostered an academic environment at home.
- At 17, Chetty worked with Martin Feldstein at Harvard, gaining independence in pursuing his research interests.