Riya Sinha

Research Analyst

Riya supports projects at the intersection of urban policy, economic inclusion, and international development, using data-driven insights to inform equitable planning and development strategies.

Prior to joining HR&A, Riya was a Research Fellow at the Penn Development Research Institute, where she evaluated barriers to refugee economic mobility in the Middle East. At the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL MENA), she supported the econometric evaluation of the Bab Amal program, analyzing efforts to improve livelihoods for the ultra-poor in Egypt. She also worked with the Beirut Urban Lab, conducting literature reviews and policy analyses to examine how financial speculation has contributed to displacement in Lebanon’s housing market. At May 8 Consulting, she conducted international case studies on foreclosure policy to support U.S. city governments in advancing more equitable housing strategies. Riya is also the co-founder of the Penn Alternative Protein Project, where she led student-driven research on food systems and economic sustainability.

Riya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, with minors in Economics and Urban Studies. She graduated summa cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.