Kanika Phogat is a development economist with research interests in gender, education, and social protection. She holds an MSc in Economics and Management of Governments and International Organizations from Bocconi University and a BA in International Economics from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Prior to joining the University of Oxford, Kanika worked with NITI Aayog (Planning Commission of India) and supported local governments in India on research and implementation related to health financing and urban governance.