- 2021-08-27
As our Summer internships draw to a close, we wanted to take some time to feature our incredible students and their work over the Summer. Next up is Doctoral Candidate Rounaq Basu (Urban Science and Planning, ‘22).
Originally from Kolkata, India, Rounaq was drawn to MIT-India for the opportunity to conduct an international comparative research project. “Being able to reconnect with Mumbai, where I did my undergrad, was another major draw for me,” said Rounaq.
Rounaq’s research centered around understanding the process through which households decide to purchase, sell, and trade private vehicles. “I was particularly interested in evaluating whether car buyers think of ride hailing (e.g., Uber, Ola) as a substitute for vehicle ownership and use,” Rounaq told us. “However, as the pandemic struck last year, I also included an exploration of the effect of COVID-19 on attitudes towards sustainable mobility and future intentions to purchase vehicles within the scope of my project.”
Rounaq’s advice to those considering studying with MIT-India? “I would encourage them to apply! Nureen (our Program Manager) is very supportive and resourceful, and the program has a ton of alums who are always happy to help. This experience will open up new doors, even more so when we can start traveling to India.”