Early Academic Pursuits

Tatiana Mayskaya’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding complex economic theories, a path that began at Lomonosov Moscow State University, where she earned her Specialist Degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science in 2010. Her early work focused on multi-objective optimization problems, where she developed methods for convex Edgeworth-Pareto hull approximation. This experience laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in economic theory, as her passion for mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis became evident.

After completing her undergraduate studies with honors, Mayskaya continued her education at the New Economic School in Moscow, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s degree in Economics in 2012. Her thesis, “The Compromise Effect in Monopolistic and Competitive Markets,” was supervised by Ozgur Evren, indicating her interest in behavioral economics and market structures. This period marked a pivotal shift in her focus toward understanding decision-making processes within economic systems.

Her pursuit of a Ph.D. at the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California, was a significant leap, combining her mathematical background with social sciences. There, she developed her dissertation titled “Essays on Information Collection,” which was guided by a renowned committee including Federico Echenique, Jaksa Cvitanic, and Marina Agranov. Her research at Caltech further shaped her interest in information theory and its role in economic behavior, setting the stage for her future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Since 2017, Mayskaya has been an Assistant Professor at the Higher School of Economics (HSE), where she works within the International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF) and the Faculty of Economic Sciences (FES). In this role, she has influenced a new generation of economists and researchers, specializing in economic theory, information economics, and behavioral economics. Her teaching and mentorship at HSE have made her a prominent academic figure, particularly in the realm of decision-making under uncertainty and strategic interactions.

Throughout her academic career, Mayskaya has been actively engaged in research, producing groundbreaking work on topics like communication barriers, overconfidence in learning, and the dynamics of team diversity. Her collaborative efforts have spanned multiple papers with renowned scholars, with a focus on the intersections of economics, decision theory, and behavioral science. Mayskaya’s ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, merging ideas from economics, game theory, and behavioral sciences, has earned her recognition in the academic community.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mayskaya’s research is at the forefront of economic theory, particularly concerning information processing and its implications for markets and social interactions. Her 2024 publication in the Journal of Economic Theory, “Does reducing communication barriers promote diversity?” co-authored with Miaomiao Dong, delves into how communication dynamics influence diversity within teams and organizations, an increasingly relevant topic in both economics and organizational theory. This work exemplifies her ability to apply economic theory to pressing social issues, blending classical economics with modern concerns about inclusivity and group dynamics.

Another major contribution is her work on “Talking with an extremist,” published in Economic Theory, which explores how extreme viewpoints evolve in strategic interactions, reshaping our understanding of disagreement in rational economic agents. This paper not only extends classic economic models but also contributes to the broader field of political economy, providing insights into how extremism can influence economic and social outcomes.

Mayskaya’s ongoing work on the role of overconfidence in decision-making, as seen in her paper “Imposing commitment to rein in overconfidence in learning” in Games and Economic Behavior, represents a critical area of focus. By addressing how overconfidence affects learning and decision-making processes, she sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of economic behavior, offering practical applications in both market design and policy-making.

Accolades and Recognition

Mayskaya’s academic excellence has not gone unnoticed. Her research has been published in top-tier journals, such as the Journal of Economic Theory and European Economic Review, where she has tackled some of the most complex issues in modern economics. Her works on transparency, learning, and diversity in teams are highly regarded, marking her as a leading figure in the field of economic theory.

Her dissertation, which explored information collection mechanisms, was particularly well-received, earning her a Ph.D. from Caltech in 2017. The recognition from her dissertation committee members, including some of the most prominent scholars in the field, underscores the quality of her academic contributions.

Impact and Influence

Mayskaya’s influence extends far beyond her publications and teaching. Her work on information theory and behavioral economics has made significant impacts on how economic theories are applied in real-world contexts. By exploring the dynamics of communication, information collection, and overconfidence, she has contributed valuable insights into market behavior, particularly in contexts of uncertainty and asymmetric information.

Additionally, her work on the role of diversity in teams and the effects of mergers on innovation demonstrates the broader implications of her research on organizational economics and industrial organization. These contributions have shaped policy discussions on corporate governance, market competition, and innovation strategy, influencing both academic thought and practical applications.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Mayskaya’s legacy will likely center around her pioneering contributions to economic theory, particularly in the areas of information economics and strategic behavior. Her work on decision-making, overconfidence, and communication is paving the way for future research on how behavioral biases shape economic outcomes.

As she continues her research and teaching, Mayskaya is poised to remain at the cutting edge of economic theory, with future contributions likely to further solidify her status as a thought leader in the field. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining mathematical rigor with insights into human behavior, will undoubtedly lead to innovative research that continues to shape the future of economics. With her growing influence, Mayskaya will continue to inspire both students and fellow scholars, contributing to the development of more robust economic models that account for the complexities of real-world decision-making.