Anna Shostya, PhD, approaches the teaching of economics with a focus on people and their experiences rather than just abstract theory or numbers. “Economics is often taught as abstract theory,” she says. “But it doesn’t have to be. My goal is to humanize it and make it more relevant.”
Shostya recently co-edited the upcoming book Pathways to Sustainable Development: Implementing the Pact for the Future with Narinder Kakar, a longtime official at the United Nations. The volume brings together contributions from both established experts and new PhD students worldwide. “It was an honor to learn alongside Professor Kakar and gain deeper insight into how the UN works,” she says.
In her macroeconomics classes, Shostya encourages students to consider issues beyond economic growth statistics like GDP. She asks them to think about whether growth reduces inequality, protects the environment, or creates good jobs. Her teaching uses case studies and personal stories drawn from her experience in countries such as China, Poland, and Moldova. Students are assigned group projects that require them to research development challenges connected to their own backgrounds.
“Many students arrive unfamiliar with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Shostya explains. “But when they learn about pollution in China or hear stories about the war in Ukraine, the issues become real.” She notes that these moments help foster engagement: “That connection inspires lifelong learning,” she says. “It’s what I’m most passionate about.”
Shostya also values having freedom in her research topics: “I appreciate the ability to pursue questions that resonate with my own experiences and reflect the issues that are faced by the international community,” she says. Her research covers themes such as sustainable consumption, education outcomes at national levels, and how war affects labor markets.
As chair of Pace University’s Economics department, Shostya acknowledges challenges like uneven student preparation due partly to disruptions caused by COVID-19 and increased reliance on technology. She aims for balance: “We want to embrace AI and other tools thoughtfully, so they enhance learning without replacing the human connection.” According to Shostya, faculty members share a passion for applied economics and dedication to helping students succeed after graduation.
She emphasizes that economics should be viewed as a practical tool: “Economics is a tool,” she tells her students. “If you learn to use it well, it can take you anywhere.” For Shostya, making economics relevant helps ensure that students understand its importance for their own futures as well as society’s.
