Kiran John
Doctoral Candidate in Economics & Data Analytics - Computational Justice Lab - Claremont Graduate University
About me
I am a 4th-year Doctoral Candidate in Economics and Data Analysis at Claremont Graduate University, specializing in Applied Economics, Econometrics, Machine Learning, and Policy Research.
Recently, I was selected as one of only seven recipients nationwide for the prestigious Cicero Institute Law and Policy Fellowship. In this role, I lead data-driven projects that applies machine learning and econometric modeling to generate impactful insights on public policy issues, focusing on areas like criminal justice and health reform.
Currently, I serve as a Data Scientist at the Computational Justice Lab, where I evaluate the impact of public safety policies, such as California's Zero Bail reform. My work involves analyzing large, complex datasets using machine learning and econometric techniques to inform policy recommendations and support data-driven decision-making in the criminal justice system.
Previously, I worked as a Data Analyst at the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, transforming unstructured legal documents into actionable datasets to support prosecutorial decisions. I also have experience as an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Long Beach, where I designed coursework that emphasized the practical application of econometric tools to solve real-world challenges.
My research is rooted in leveraging data science to address complex social and policy issues. I am particularly passionate about bridging the gap between rigorous research and policy implementation, using my expertise in economics, machine learning, and data analysis to make a meaningful impact on society.
Experience
Law & Policy Fellow, The Cicero Institute [September 2024- Present]
I was recently selected as one of only seven recipients nationwide for the prestigious Cicero Institute Law and Policy Fellowship. In this role, I lead data-driven projects, employing machine learning, econometric modeling, and computational analysis to generate impactful insights for research and data-driven innovation. This fellowship highlights my ability to take initiative, lead data-driven projects, and provide valuable solutions in a research-driven environment.
Data Scientist & Economist, Computational Justice Lab [Jan 2024- Present]
In my role as a Data Scientist at the Computational Justice Lab, I continue to evaluate the impact of public safety policies, including California’s Zero Bail reform, actively working on a research paper that involves analyzing complex regulatory implications and assessing policy outcomes. Using machine learning and multivariate regression, I work with large, complex datasets to derive insights that inform policy recommendations.
Adjunct Professor of Economics- Urban Economics, California State University, Long Beach [Jan 2024-Jan 2025]
I am an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics, at Cal State Long Beach, teaching Econometrics and Urban Economics to undergraduate students. I designed the course in a way that blends both theory and practice, in a field that encompasses everything from urban redevelopment projects to crime.
Data Analyst, County of Riverside [Jan 2022-October 2023]
I previously worked as a Data Analyst with the County of Riverside, under their TAP-Professional Student Research program. I led data processing efforts that transformed unstructured legal documents into actionable datasets, developing models that supported key prosecutorial decisions.
The scope includes Data Analysis, Multivariate Regression, Web-Scraping, Regular Expression Extraction, Natural language Processing, Machine Learning, Data Visualization.
Programming Languages: Python, R, Stata
Visualization tools: Power BI
Education
Doctor of Economics and Data Analysis, Claremont Graduate University- Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 (expected)
Masters in Economics, Claremont Graduate University- 2022
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations & Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Staffordshire University & Kerala University- 2020
Papers
Zero Bail Reform
Currently working on a paper that looks at Zero bail reform in California.
Potential of Coal to gas switching in India (GECF)
This paper looks at the influence of coal and natural gas on the Indian power sector and to analyze if the costs outweigh the benefits or vice-versa while looking at the government’s policy of incentives in the promotion of one energy source over another.
TEACHING experience
Econ 485: Introduction to Econometrics- California State University, Long Beach (August 2024-December 2024)
Provided students with a strong foundation in econometric theory and techniques, including OLS, heteroscedasticity, and panel data models, while also integrating modern tools such as machine learning to prepare students for contemporary economic research. I emphasized core econometric techniques, such as regression analysis, causal inference, and hypothesis testing, while also introducing students to machine learning models, providing a modern perspective on data-driven decision-making.
Econ 437: Urban Economics- Claremont Graduate University (Jan 2024-December 2024)
I taught Urban Economics during both Spring and Fall 2024 and covered topics including land use, housing markets, transportation, and public policy, to help students understand the socioeconomic factors influencing urban development. Explored the economic forces that shape cities, including transportation costs, zoning policies, and externalities, with an emphasis on applied learning through real-world data and case studies.
Tutoring experience
Econometrics II- ECON 383- Claremont Graduate University (August 2023-December 2023)
I'm curently working as a Teaching Assistant (Tutor) for the terminal course in the PhD Econometrics sequence, namely, ECON 383- Econometrics II.
Teaching students advanced level Econometric techniques paired with coding in R, Python & Stata.
Personal Projects
Yosemite, because why not? :)
A few memories from my time up in Yosemite to brighten your day :)
