Reid C
- Research Program Mentor
MPA candidate at Columbia University
Expertise
Finance, Economics, Business Management, Accounting, Global Politics, Investigative Reporting, Writing
Bio
Hi! I'm Reid, I'm a master's student at Columbia University studying international finance and economics. My research focuses on corruption and financial crime as a threat to global security - how do dictators, terrorists, and other bad actors hide and move money, and what can be done to stop them and make the world a safer place? I've led research projects in the US, Netherlands, Scotland, and Lebanon and have spent more than 6 years helping peers and students pursue research that matters. Prior to starting at Columbia, I recruited for Amazon, Google, Meta, and other world-renowned technology leaders and start-ups in the Bay Area and NYC. I'm currently a reporter with Bloomberg focusing on global business and finance stories and previously worked for CNN and NBC News. I'm also a huge pool player and am learning Italian!Project ideas
Whose Democracy Is It, Anyway?
As a student and a reporter with Bloomberg News. I've spent the past four years studying elections around the world - how people vote, why they vote, and how much those votes matter. One of the most active debates in political science is whether all votes count equally when it comes to shaping public policy. Research has shown that the opinions of the rich and well-to-do are generally reflected in new laws, while those of regular citizens have almost no correlation. For this project, we'll collect data about major legislation passed over the past thirty years as well as detailed public opinion polling about the issues in question. We'll then run statistical analysis to determine which groups have the highest likelihood of getting their desired policies passed. Our final product will be a detailed dataset showing how represented each group within society is that can be turned into a publication-ready paper!
Charting a Greener Future for Tourist Havens
I'm an expert in economic development and international finance and have spent years studying the intersection of environmental conservation and economic advancement. With biodiversity increasingly under threat from the very tourists they attract, how can policymakers balance environmental conservation and tourism promotion in key areas? For this project, we'll collect public data like hotel occupancy rates as well as environmental indicators like water quality and biodiversity from major tourist destinations. We'll map this data using geographic information systems (GIS) software to identify areas where tourism and threats to biodiversity overlap. Using this information, we'll create a research paper identifying the effects of tourism on local biodiversity and lay out alternate development strategies to promote sustainable economic and environmental growth.
The Economics of Subscription-Based Models: Why Businesses Thrive on Recurring Revenue
As a business analyst and recruiter for leading tech firms, I’ve seen how the subscription-based business model has revolutionized profitability and customer retention. In this project, we’ll break down why companies like Netflix and Amazon Prime have thrived with recurring revenue models and how similar strategies can apply across industries. We’ll start by gathering financial data from key players in tech and media, analyzing how their subscription models impact profitability and scalability. You’ll then conduct comparative analysis, using real-world financial data, to determine the best subscription model for a fictional startup. The final deliverable will be a financial analysis recommending a business strategy for maximizing recurring revenue in a competitive market!
How Global Startups Navigate Regulatory Challenges in Emerging Markets
As a former Big Tech pro, I’ve seen firsthand how companies face massive regulatory hurdles when expanding into emerging markets. In this project, we’ll explore how startups manage to scale their operations in regions with complex legal environments. We’ll start by collecting case studies of global companies like Uber in India and PayPal in Southeast Asia. Using this data, we’ll analyze the strategies these companies used to adapt to different legal and regulatory frameworks. You’ll learn how to assess risk, navigate cross-border regulations, and understand cultural differences in business. The final product will be a strategic business case analysis that advises a fictional startup on how to successfully enter an emerging market!