With a double major in physics and philosophy, it’s clear that Aayush Nema ‘21 has wide-ranging interests.
“I came to Denison having lived in India and China, excited to immerse myself into a new culture and ethos,” says the native of Bangalore, India. “While I have definitely done so, the most significant part of my Denison experience has been academic — particularly realizing how much I love the life of the mind and wanting to embrace such a life to its fullest extent.”
Nema knew he wanted to continue his academic journey after graduation. However, the possibilities were vast. An internship with Columbus-based Scioto Analytics, led by Denison alum Rob Moore ‘10, gave Nema the experience he needed to find his focus.
During that internship, Nema researched and developed a social cost analysis of the economic impact of carbon emissions in Ohio. “In particular, my report catalogs policy options for reducing carbon emissions in Ohio, and is designed to help policymakers decide which carbon abatement policy to choose,” he says.
“This experience was by far one of the most significant I have at Denison, and aside from the potential impact of the analysis report, I learnt a multitude of things about that will help me continue similar work (and research) in the future”
Nema is currently working in the New York office of Oxford University Press, and he is considering graduate school to learn more about economics research. He credits his professors with nurturing his thirst to know more.
“My professors have played a key role, recognizing, encouraging, and reinforcing a love for all things academic,” he says. “I am grateful for, and in awe of, the close and significant relationships I have built with some of my professors — who will remain friends, advisors, and mentors from now on.”
