Economics lecturer honoured to receive research award

Dr Andrea Kutinova has been named the College of Business and Economics’ Early Career Researcher of the Year. The economics lecturer said she was honoured to receive the award and appreciated being nominated for it by colleagues in the Department of Economics. “I see it as an important signal, reassuring and encouraging feedback. I’m proud to have received the award, look with recognition at those who had received it before me and send best wishes to those who’ll receive it after me.”

Dr Kutinova joined the staff at UC two year sago after completing a PhD at the University of New Hampshire. Born and raised in Prague, Dr Kutinova said she now felt “at home” in New Zealand.

“UC provides a great environment to work and live in. I very much like my department, the fact that my colleagues give me both respect, when deserved, and advice, when needed.”

Dr Kutinova is involved in applied microeconomic work, combining microeconomic theory and statistical analyses.

“I’m particularly interested in health economics and how the economy and the government affect individuals’ incentives and, subsequently, their health-related behaviour and health. My ongoing projects include an investigation of the lead maternity carer system in New Zealand and, together with my colleague, Alan Woodfield, a study of sentencing variation under the New Zealand Health and Safety in Employment legislation.”

Dr Kutinova said she appreciated the support she received for her research from both her department and the College.

The Early Career Researcher of the Year Award, now in its third year, was presented to Dr Kutinova at the recent College of Business and Economics Research Showcase.

More than 50 people, including staff and external business leaders, attended the 90-minute presentation to celebrate the research coming out of the College.

Chronicle Volume 43, No. 16, 10 October 2008