Jorge Ballestero

Jorge D. Ballestero

Dual Degree Student, Economics & Political Philosophy
Columbia University & Sciences Po Paris

I am an undergraduate researcher specializing in behavioral economics with quantitative methods, combining data-driven insights with human-centered perspectives to solve complex strategic problems. My work integrates experimental design, statistical analysis, and cross-cultural insights to understand decision-making processes in organizational and policy contexts.

jdb2250@columbia.edu LinkedIn Profile Curriculum Vitae GitHub

Research

Anchoring in Context: Decoy Effects and Dynamic Reference Distortion in Evaluation

Research Proposal • Behavioral Economics • Columbia University

This research proposal explores how sequential evaluation environments distort not just subjective impressions but also categorical and numerical candidate metrics. It introduces a behavioral experiment and formal modeling framework to test whether anchoring and trait salience systematically bias structured resume assessments. By showing how even seemingly objective traits are subject to contextual distortion, the project aims to challenge conventional assumptions about fairness and accuracy in high-stakes decision-making.

Proposed Experimental Scope
2
Behavioral Models
200+
Planned Participants
8
Treatment Conditions
Online
Experimental Platform
Experimental Design Theoretical Modeling Behavioral Economics Decision Theory Choice Architecture

Experimental Design for Market Unraveling in Climate Insurance

Research Assistant Project • Columbia University Economics Department

Designed and programmed three oTree experiments investigating market unraveling dynamics in climate insurance markets. Built comprehensive front-end and back-end experimental infrastructure with randomized role assignment, real-time data capture, and adaptive participant grouping. Research contributes to PhD dissertation integrating laboratory and field data from Colombian farmers, examining behavioral responses to climate risk.

Experimental Scope
3
Experimental Designs
100+
Planned Participants
12
Treatment Conditions
Real-time
Data Capture
oTree Programming Experimental Design Behavioral Economics Python HTML/JavaScript

Projects & Applications

UniSearch: Global University Discovery Platform

Full-Stack Web App • React, FastAPI, SQLite • 2025

I designed and built UniSearch to help students discover and compare over 1,500 universities worldwide, especially those applying to study abroad programs like Erasmus. The platform integrates a dynamic search engine, personalized recommendation system, and real-time API health monitoring—all wrapped in a responsive, clean UI. This project showcases my ability to connect frontend and backend systems using React/Vite and FastAPI, implement user-centric features, and deploy full-stack apps across Vercel and Render with proper CORS configuration.

Full-Stack Development React / Vite FastAPI Tailwind CSS SQLite Deployed

Behavioral Finance GPT Assistant

Conversational Tool • Behavioral Finance + LLM Integration • 2025

I built the Behavioral Finance GPT Assistant to classify investors not only by how they see themselves, but by how their responses reveal hidden cognitive biases. The assistant infers likely behavioral pitfalls—such as overconfidence, loss aversion, or inertia—then generates mapped investment plans tailored to each user’s profile. It pairs language-based archetyping with structured portfolio recommendations, integrating live financial data to ground advice in current market conditions. This project demonstrates how behavioral theory and real-world analytics can work together to deliver adaptive, bias-aware investment strategies through a conversational interface.

Behavioral Design GPT Integration Conversational UI Behavioral Finance Investor Psychology

Technical Competencies

Statistical Methods

  • Proficient: Regression Analysis & Modeling
  • Advanced: Experimental Design & Implementation
  • Intermediate: Predictive Modeling
  • Proficient: Data Visualization & Reporting
  • Intermediate: Causal Inference Methods

Programming Languages

  • Advanced: R (statistical computing, data analysis)
  • Intermediate: Python (data science, experimental design)
  • Intermediate: SQL (database queries, data management)
  • Intermediate: HTML/JavaScript (web development, oTree)
  • Proficient: Excel (advanced modeling, analysis)

Language Skills

  • Native: English, Spanish, French
  • Professional: Portuguese
  • Conversational: Russian, German, Italian

Research & Analysis

  • Advanced: Experimental Design (oTree, Lab)
  • Proficient: Database Analysis & Management
  • Advanced: Behavioral Economics Research
  • Proficient: Policy Analysis & Translation
  • Intermediate: Financial Market Analysis

Experience

Research Assistant
Columbia University Economics Department • February 2025 - Present
Design and program oTree experiments on market unraveling in climate insurance for 100+ CELSS lab participants. Built comprehensive experimental infrastructure with randomized role assignment and real-time data capture. Research contributes to PhD dissertation integrating lab and field data from Colombian farmers.
Dual BA Representative
Columbia University Student Council • September 2024 - Present
Designed and launched academic mentoring system reaching 50+ Dual BA students. Initiated collaboration with Columbia deans to scale mentorship structure across all Dual Degree pathways. Developed proposals to democratize research access through GS policy committee.
Migration Assistant Intern
MigrationAid Emergency Response Hostel, Budapest • May 2023 - August 2023
Managed daily logistics for distributing 100 meals to Ukrainian refugees under resource constraints. Designed and implemented "Free Supermarket" model to streamline equitable access to resources, prioritizing dignity and personalization in humanitarian aid delivery.
Freelance Translator
UN-led Projects (UNICEF, UNODC) • October 2021 - March 2024
Translated technical proposals and policy documents across English, Spanish, and French for vaccination campaigns and pedagogic initiatives. Produced stakeholder-facing summaries to improve cross-linguistic accessibility and operational clarity for international coordination.

Education

Dual Bachelor of Arts, Economics and Political Philosophy
Columbia University & Sciences Po Paris • 2022–2026
Highly selective dual degree program combining rigorous economics training with philosophical analysis of political institutions. Dean's List at Columbia University, Cum Laude Honors at Sciences Po Paris. Coursework includes Behavioral Economics, Financial Economics, and advanced quantitative methods.
Special Concentration in Business Management
Columbia Business School • 2025–2026
Competitive undergraduate concentration providing graduate-level business education alongside liberal arts degree. Only 45 students admitted from both Junior and Sophomore classes. Coursework includes Corporate Finance, Strategy Formulation, Marketing, and International Finance and Trade. Integration of behavioral economics insights with business strategy and decision-making frameworks.