Meet Dr Maria Paola Rana, an Economics and Finance Lecturer here at Salford Business School. We recently caught up with Maria to discuss her dynamic career path, while delving into her expert knowledge which covers a wide range of specialties, such as the economics of crime, as well as the economic impact and recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From completing her undergraduate degree in Sardinia, Italy, followed by her PhD at the University of Manchester, Maria’s research has taken her all over the world. Her passion for inclusive economic growth and sustainability has inspired her to pass her knowledge onto the future economists of the world, which is what brought her to Salford.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
My passion for teaching began at the age of 17, when I became a Personal Academic Tutor for Maths, as I started University in Sardinia, Italy. It was during my first few classes in higher education that I realised I wanted to be on the other side of the desk, passing impactful insights onto the next generation.
I completed my BSc in Economics and Finance, and my MSc in Economics at the University of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), which was supplemented by visiting the University of Wroclaw in Poland as an exchange student, as well as the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing.
It was following this that I moved to England as I undertook an MSc in Economic Development at the Institute of Development Policy and Management (IDPM) and my PHD in Economics at the University of Manchester.
I became a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Manchester, before moving on to become an Associate Lecturer at Keele University and a Lecturer in Economics and International Business at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. I am currently a Lecturer in Economics and Programme Leader for Business Management with Economics here at Salford.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
I joined the University because it’s one of the leading higher education institutions in the northwest for social mobility, which is an extremely important value to me. I knew I wanted to work at a university that was passionate about breaking down barriers and improving opportunities and access to higher education, which is a huge priority for Salford.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
I would say that the best thing about being an academic at Salford is sharing my personal goals and values with the institution, in terms of focusing on sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
Every day is a career highlight since I have had the privilege to see my students grow professionally and as individuals. Many students have progressed onto careers where they are having an invaluable impact on society, ensuring that they carry the values they have learnt here at Salford.
Some more personal highlights include the publication of my research, gaining the funding to support my work, and being quoted in the media as a result of my expertise.
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research focuses on crime, organised crime and their effect on economic growth. I have also worked with the Salford City Council to understand how unexpected events affect the growth of SMEs (small and medium enterprises). You can read more about this project here.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
Here are some of my published papers:
- Crime in the era of COVID‐19: evidence from England – Neanidis – 2023 – Journal of Regional Science – Wiley Online Library
- A theory of organised crime, corruption and economic growth (PDF)
- An empirical analysis of organised crime, corruption and economic growth
If you are interested, you can read more of my research on the Economics Observatory.
And finally, the all-important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
The nice new café at the Old Fire station, just opposite to Maxwell building is great for a coffee on campus.