Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Richterswil, a municipality located on the left shore of Lake Zurich that prides itself for its annual Turnip Lantern Parade “Räbechilbi”. 

What were your hobbies as a child?
I played a lot of football and basketball and I still do if I get the chance.

Where did you go to University?
I studied at the University of Zurich, both for the Master’s and the PhD degree.

Who was your PhD Advisor?
My terrific PhD Advisor was Fabrizio Zilibotti.

Any anecdote or memory from your time as PhD ?
I have fond memories of the Doctoral Program for Beginning Doctoral Students in Gerzensee where I made lasting friendships and met great coauthors.

What is your main research focus?
International Macroeconomics and Finance.

What current research are you really excited about and why ?
In recent work with coauthors, we study—from an empirical and quantitative perspective—how sovereign debt overhang curtails countries’ incentives to implement structural reforms (CEPR Discussion Paper 19545).

What attracted you to Switzerland, your local university and SFI ?
I felt a bit homesick.

What do you do in your spare time ?
I like to travel and watch sports.

What is your favorite holiday destination ?
The Lavaux region at the Lake of Geneva is beautiful. 

What question do you not like getting asked ?
“Is the equilibrium unique?” often causes me goosebumps.