My interest in Development Economics is partly inspired by a one-year stay in the small village of La Gamba, Costa Rica. The purpose of my stay was to render the “Social Service Abroad” for the Republic of Austria instead of the mandatory Military Service. My tasks included teaching English at the local school (see picture :)) and supporting social projects, such as a small local business selling organic cosmetics using ingredients from the bordering rainforest.

I am married to Aysil Emirmahmutoglu and we are happy parents of two daughters.