People of NOVAFRICA: Vitor Cavalcante

We are excited to hear from NOVAFRICA Nova School of Business and Economics PhD candidate Vitor Cavalcante on his journey in development economics. His work spans multiple NOVAFRICA projects across The Gambia, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau, exploring themes of migration, finance, and development through both rigorous research and hands-on field experience.

Can you tell us about your academic journey—from your undergraduate studies to your PhD at Nova SBE? What inspired you to pursue a PhD in Economics?

I began my studies in Brazil, completing a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Insper, with an exchange at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. That period gave me the analytical foundation and curiosity that pushed me toward research.
Later, I pursued a Master’s in Economics at Nova SBE, where I first engaged directly with development economics through NOVAFRICA projects in The Gambia, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Portugal, and Guinea-Bissau. These experiences took me from field supervision to project management and eventually co-PI roles. They also gave me the chance to work closely with mentors like Professors Cátia Batista and Pedro Vicente, whose guidance shaped my approach to applied research.
I also collaborated with professors at other institutions, including Insper, the University of Bolzano, and the University of Milano-Bicocca, where I worked as a pre-doctoral researcher. These diverse perspectives confirmed my passion for research and for a career that combines rigorous analysis with global field engagement. Pursuing a PhD in Development Economics felt like the natural continuation of that path.

What led you to specialize in development economics, and what research topics currently interest you the most?

Initially, I worked in the financial sector, focusing on macroeconomic research. Around that time, books like The Elusive Quest for Growth (Easterly), Development as Freedom (Sen), and Poor Economics (Banerjee & Duflo) completely reframed the way I saw economics—connecting it to questions of inequality, poverty, and policy impact.
This motivated me to resign from my job and pursue a master’s at Nova SBE, specifically because of NOVAFRICA’s focus on development. Since then, I’ve worked on projects covering migration, education, health, political economy, agriculture, and finance. Today, my PhD centers on two main themes: international migration, and the intersection of finance and development.

You’ve been involved in fieldwork across multiple countries. What advice would you give to early-career researchers preparing for their first field research experience?

Fieldwork is an opportunity to learn directly from context. A short conversation with a local partner can sometimes clarify more than weeks of analysis. My advice would be: connect with people, build strong local partnerships, and remain open to learning.
At the same time, treat fieldwork with professionalism. It involves real costs and responsibilities—so clear objectives, timelines, and respect for institutional values matter. The challenge is balancing what is meaningful locally with what advances research. Success comes from being both rigorous and attentive to the realities on the ground.

What are some common challenges researchers face in the field, and how do you navigate them?

Unexpected delays, logistical hurdles, or data quality issues are common. Cultural differences and ethical responsibilities add another layer of complexity.
The best strategies I’ve found are preparation and flexibility: start with a clear plan, but adapt as needed. Strong local partnerships are invaluable for solving problems and building trust. And perhaps most importantly, keep perspective—fieldwork challenges often become the most instructive parts of the research journey.

Could you share a memorable or valuable lesson from your fieldwork that has influenced your research approach?

One key lesson is the importance of building diverse, motivated teams and ensuring clear communication across all levels—from principal investigators to enumerators. In randomized controlled trials especially, high-quality data depends as much on teamwork and coordination as on study design.
That experience taught me that success in development research is as much about managing people and aligning incentives as it is about technical skills. It’s a lesson that extends beyond academia: many challenges are solved not just with good ideas, but with strong teams.

For students considering a PhD in Economics, what advice would you give on preparing academically and professionally?

Pursuing a PhD is both an academic and personal journey that requires curiosity, discipline, and resilience. In my opinion, it’s a process of continuous growth—one that blends technical preparation with real-world learning and reflection. Here are a few key insights I would recommend for aspiring researchers:

• Start with genuine motivation. Curiosity is what sustains you through the challenges of a PhD. Build a strong foundation in economics and quantitative methods early, and engage with research by reading papers and exploring the literature.

• Gain practical experience. Seek out research assistantships, internships, or fieldwork—and make the most of these opportunities. Beyond technical skills like data management or coding, they allow you to observe how senior researchers think, solve problems, and make decisions. These experiences also help you develop teamwork, project management, and communication skills while showing you whether the research lifestyle truly suits you.

• Strengthen both technical and soft skills. Solid foundations in statistics, econometrics, coding, and the literature are essential. But so are interpersonal skills—building relationships across diverse backgrounds, collaborating effectively with supervisors, and managing multicultural teams in the field.

• Value mentorship. When you find professors who genuinely invest in your growth, take the opportunity to learn from their reasoning, approach, and experience. Those lessons often go beyond what coursework can offer.

• Think independently. Ultimately, a PhD is about becoming an independent thinker. Technical preparation matters, but so does openness to different ideas, contexts, and people.

Finally, what are your personal goals for your academic and research career in the coming years?

My goal is to contribute to both academic knowledge and policy impact, focusing on how financial tools and migration shape development. I want my research to advance theory while remaining grounded in questions that matter for people’s lives.
I also hope to strengthen collaborations with institutions, policymakers, and fellow researchers—because meaningful impact often comes through collective effort. And on a personal level, I want to keep learning from diverse contexts. Engaging with communities directly reminds me that research is not just about data, but about people. For me, the ideal path is to grow as a scholar while staying connected to the practical side of development, where rigorous research and real-world relevance meet.

Connect with Victor on Linkedn

Authored by: Mercy Uba & Vitor Cavalcante