Virginia Tech alumna is changing the perception of a Ph.D. career path
Earning a Ph.D. often sets the stage for a career in academia, where teaching and research are the mainstays. Vanessa Carrion-Yaguana M.S. ’13, Ph.D. ’16, a data scientist at Michigan State University, illustrates how a Ph.D. can open doors to varied and influential roles beyond conventional academic tracks.
“Earning a Ph.D. goes beyond acquiring a vast pool of knowledge,” Carrion-Yaguana said. “It represents a transformative journey that reshapes your way of thinking, equipping you with the tools to approach complex challenges with innovative solutions. This journey has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.”
Carrion-Yaguana obtained her master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and her Ph.D. in economics through a joint program with the Department of Economics at Virginia Tech.
In her current role at Michigan State University, she focuses on projects involving faculty and academic staff, providing analyses that support strategic planning within the university.
Carrion-Yaguana believes that data-driven approaches are vital for addressing social and economic challenges in today’s society.
“I am currently working on faculty salary equity models to investigate potential biases,” Carrion-Yaguana said. “The outcomes will contribute to enhancing policies and enabling better decision-making.”
Originally from Ecuador, Carrion-Yaguana moved back to her home country after completing her Ph.D. With a wide range of opportunities for agricultural economic development in Ecuador, she was able to apply the knowledge and quantitative skills she gained at Virginia Tech to give back to her community. As an advisor to the electoral council from Ecuador, she managed and led projects related to human rights, democratic inclusion, and political empowerment for marginalized groups. Her work also included serving as an assistant professor at the Universidad de Las Américas.
Today, she continues to give back by providing consulting services to various international organizations, including the United Nations.
Reflecting on her time at Virginia Tech, Carrion-Yaguana fondly remembers her master’s thesis advisor, George Norton, a professor emeritus in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
“One of my most cherished memories of Virginia Tech revolves around Dr. Norton,” Carrion-Yaguana said. “He offered invaluable guidance and knowledge that extended well beyond the classroom.”
Carrion-Yaguana keeps in touch with Norton and reaches out when visiting Virginia.
“Vanessa was an outstanding graduate student,” Norton said. “She exemplified traits such as organization, collaboration, a strong sense of purpose, independent thinking, and productivity. [My wife] Marjorie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our ongoing connections with Vanessa and her family throughout the years.”
