Sylvan Herskowitz is an Associate Research Fellow in the Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Sylvan’s research focuses primarily on financial management strategies of the poor, with a particular interest in cross-cutting themes linked to gender and intra-household bargaining decisions. His research and work history have afforded him considerable experience as well as a personal interest in the African continent.

Sylvan received his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2017, writing his dissertation on financial constraints and sports betting in Uganda. He also holds an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and got his undergraduate degree in Government from Wesleyan University. Sylvan has also worked as a field coordinator for the World Bank’s Development Impact Evaluation group based in Malawi and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger from 2006-2008.