Gabriella’s story
We want our students to be courageous, not obedient, and to make the world a better place.” Gabriella Cagliesi
Professor of Economics
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“When I was a little girl, I saved up to buy a new bicycle only to discover the price had risen due to inflation. I was frustrated, but I was intrigued.
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and felt drawn to economics because it encourages curiosity. You become a detective. It isn’t purely the study of banking or finance, but the mystery of human behaviour.
After moving from Italy to the US to pursue my PhD, I spent some time at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but knew I wanted to work with young people. After moving to the UK, I found a passion for tackling the Awarding Gap, and shaped my practice around equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
I find Sussex inspiring because academics are encouraged to innovate. We want our students to be courageous, not obedient, and to make the world a better place. My work with our Widening Participation Team, for example, empowers students to become Economics Champions. By delivering lectures and workshops, they encourage pupils at local schools whilst building their leadership and management skills.
Sustainability is also a big part of our ethos, and I’m proud to have played a role in embedding the Sulitest into our student experience. This globally recognised certificate reflects our commitment to a fairer, greener planet. We marked its launch with a Festival of Sust(AI)nable Education, exploring the intersection between education, sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI), with talks from inspiring speakers, sessions on digital creation and climate risk, and even a guest appearance from the robot, Sophia!
My students and I don’t work alone, but in dialogue, and they bring so many fresh ideas to the field. I’m proud to work at Sussex because we give our students agency, and that’s what education is all about – inspiring minds, instilling values, and empowering people to become truly global citizens.”