Omkar Joshi is a doctoral candidate and a graduate assistant in the Department of Sociology at University of Maryland, College Park. His previous training is in the field of Economics with a focus on developmental issues. Before joining the Sociology department, he was working as a Consultant at National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) with the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) team, focusing on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a large public employment programme in India, and its household welfare impacts.  He has co-authored a comprehensive report titled “MGNREGA: A Catalyst for Rural Transformation” with Prof. Sonalde Desai and Dr Prem Vashishtha.  

He combines econometric methodology with sociological theory to study research topics that are relevant to Economists as well as Sociologists. Broadly, his research revolves around issues in the area of social stratification and social changes, family demography, gender and labor market, and development.He brings along with him a diverse experience in research, data analysis and project management from corporate, government and developmental sectors. He has taught undergraduate courses in Economics for six years in University of Mumbai. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics and Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai and Master's degree in Sociology from University of Maryland.