November 01, 2023 | News | New faces at MPIDR

Welcome, Maria Laura Miranda!

Maria Laura Miranda joins the team of the Laboratory of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-Being. © MPIDR/Wilhelm

The MPIDR is happy to welcome Maria Laura Miranda to the team of the Laboratory of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-Being. Maria comes from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, CEDEPLAR (Center for Regional Development and Planning), where she obtained her Master's in Demography. The title of her thesis is: "Forecasting Life Expectancy in São Paulo City, Brazil, amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic". Maria was also part of the  European Doctoral School of Demography, where she worked on the different measures of period shocks on mortality.

What's your job at MPIDR and how long will you work here?
For the next three years I will work as a PhD student in the Laboratory of Population Dynamics and Sustainable Well-Being. Among other topics, I would like to focus on mortality estimation from insufficient and limited data. In particular, my research aims to develop and apply indirect methods to assess mortality differentials in low- and middle-income countries.

What motivates you to work in this area of research?
Estimating adult mortality remains a challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In some contexts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, there remains a need for high-quality and highly disaggregated data, which has direct implications for health spending, social interventions, and other social policies and programs. In these contexts of insufficient data, the use of advanced demographic statistical tools to assess mortality disparities becomes essential.

Why did you choose MPIDR as your new employer?
I had a fascinating experience at the institute in 2022 as part of the first summer incubator program and the preparatory courses on EDSD. Besides being one of the leading institutes in demography, MPIDR offers a suitable environment for developing research and the people are extremely friendly.

Where are you from? What do you miss most about your home country?
I am from Brazil and I miss several things about home. I miss my family and friends, typical foods like tapioca and pão de queijo, and the sunny and warm days, especially on the beaches.

What is your favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy meeting and interacting with people from different backgrounds (especially playing ping-pong).