For close to a decade, I’ve worked at the intersection of data, policy, and research. My expertise lies in managing stakeholders, leading teams, and executing projects from start to finish. I specialise in designing and managing surveys end-to-end, including instrument development, piloting, field operations, data collection, monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
Currently, as the Principal of the Artha Centre for Rapid Insights, I manage grant deliverables, oversee research projects to deliver insights between 48 hours-25 days.
Organisations
Artha Global (started by the team at IDFC Institute): I have led a variety of projects that connect data with public policy decisions. These include conducting surveys on police motivation and communication in Madhya Pradesh, improving the design of grievance redressal systems, writing HBR-style case studies, and conducting a historical macroeconomic analysis of savings and investment policies in Southeast Asia. Across these projects, I have worked with a global perspective, managed tight timelines, coordinated diverse stakeholders (including national and sub-national-level government officials), and delivered research outputs.
The tools of modern statecraft privilege what is visible, quantifiable, and uniform over what is complex, diverse, and contextual.
James Scott
Laterite: This was my first exposure to the dynamic world of survey management and fieldwork. Moving between India, Ethiopia and Rwanda, I learnt the entire lifecycle of primary data collection from survey instrument design to data analysis. Collaborating with clients and field teams to ensure smooth execution, I saw firsthand how well-executed surveys can uncover transformative insights.
McKinsey & Company: My career began here as a Research Analyst in the McKinsey Knowledge Centre where I built a strong foundation in research, problem-solving, and communication. Working across diverse industries and markets, I contributed to macroeconomic reports, co-led knowledge codification initiatives, and presented findings to stakeholders across the globe.
Education
MSc Economics from University College London, United Kingdom
BA Economics from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India
PRIYA VEDAVALLI 