Projects | Dheer Avashia

Research Experience

Economics Thesis (Hons.)

Economics Department, University Of The South, Sewanee TN | Economics Department, University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ | August 2022 - present

I am fascinated by the decision-making framework proposed by Khaneman and Trvskey in the late 1900s. In this research project, I specifically look at the empirical prevalence of the availability heuristic and whether it can explain the disparity between subjective and objective financial knowledge (overconfidence)...

The Theory of Huffman Encoding

Mathematics Department | Sewanee, TN | August 2022 - May 2023

Examined and synthesized theories of Algorithmic Information Theory. Understood functions and mechanisms of Turing Machines. Understood fundamental information theory concepts of Probability, Entropy, and Complexity
Researched Huffman's Encoding Problem, analyzed proofs of optimal lossless encoding, theories of fundamental binary data encoding, and studied Huffman trees
Used Beamer (LaTeX) to present a talk on the Huffman Encoding problem, emphasizing the significance and importance of Huffman's algorithm on modern-day information encoding

Economics Researcher

Sewanee Undergraduate Research, Sewanee TN. | May 2021 - August 2021

Funded to conduct a literature review of over 8 laboratory research papers studying price bubbles and crashes in spot asset markets. Learned how to survey, analyze, condense, and present research findings
Wrote a survey paper in conjunction with a laboratory experiment proposal, under the guidance of a faculty member, suggesting how researchers could study bubbles and crashes in crypto-currency markets
Learnt how to read and analyze existing research effectively

Psychology Research Fellow

Psychology Department, University Of The South, Sewanee, TN | January 2021 - May 2021

Adopted Qualtrics to collect qualitative and quantitative primary-source data about eating disorders, social media usage, and imaginary audience using 5 psychological inventories
Employed SPSS to generate interaction terms and perform robust regressions, f-tests, and chi-squared tests for 200 data points, modeling a function predicting the prevalence of eating disorders as a function of social media usage
Authored a research paper, and presented insights at a local research conference

Work Experience

User Experience & Marketing

Sayaji Seeds, Ahmedabad, India | April 2020 - August 2020

Researched business models and digital strategies of firms catering to the Indian rural market.
Conceptualized and implemented, alongside the CEO, the marketing strategy for promoting the company's new mobile application, reaching over 2000 potential clients
Created KPI metrics, alongside CEO and UX designers, for a pilot study helping measure user accessibility and retention for the company's new mobile application, which now has over 5000 users
Researched and presented a comprehensive report on rural marketing. Worked with digital marketing head to run ad campaigns (Google ads, IVR, on-ground marketing) increasing users by 20%

Business Strategy & Content Production

Connect2Teach, Ahmedabad, India | March 2019 - August 2019

Analyzed business-to-business models and growth strategy of 10 major companies in the online learning industry. Generated user profiles and identified key trends in the executive learning industry and presented insights to CEO
Built several user profiles and led presentations on ideas for optimizing the company's product
Authored, edited, and published over 5 articles for on and off-page blogging
Ran ads and performed SEO optimizing, alongside the Digital marketing team, boosting social media followers by 30%

VP Recruitment & Greek Life Assistant

University Of The South Greek Life Office, Sewanee TN | August 2021 - May 2023

Assisted the director of Greek Life in everyday tasks
Created forms and surveys to gather data about Greek life organizations on campus, used Excel to format and present data to the head of Greek life
Planned a hazing prevention marketing campaign to create awareness about hazing and provide resources
Making the Greek Life culture on campus safer and more welcoming

Residential Assistant

University of The South Residential Life office, Sewanee TN | January 2021 - May 2023

Designed and implemented over 15 programs to foster relationships and make residents feel safe and comfortable in residential spaces
Applied QPR training and restorative techniques to help extinguish sensitive situations and resolve conflicts
Acted as a student leader and role model for over 200 residents cultivating living spaces with a strong sense of community
One of the most esteemed leadership positions on campus
Supervised residence halls with 150+ students, responded to emergencies, and reported to area manager.

Marketing Intern

University of the South Wellness Center, Sewanee, TN | September 2019 - August 2021

Researched student taboos surrounding mental health, evaluated data to devise a social media marketing plan and content calendar, increased student interaction and awareness by over 30%
Collaborated with the director of the Wellness Center and student leaders on campus to plan and implement 11 events promoting mental health awareness