Mexico City, November 4, 2025.—According to Dr. Akito Kamei, full professor at the School of Government and Economics at the Universidad Panamericana, economics is a living discipline that permeates all aspects of society. His mission in the classroom goes beyond teaching theories: he seeks to help each student discover a genuine passion for analyzing the social and economic challenges of our time.
“My goal is for students to understand that economics is present in every aspect of society and to feel inspired to pursue careers as economists with a sense of curiosity,”says Dr. Kamei.
The economy as a tool for social transformation
In the classroom, Dr. Kamei promotes a dynamic teaching style focused on active participation and personalized learning. In his data analysis class, for example, students choose topics they are passionate about to develop research projects based on real-world data, thereby strengthening their analytical skills and creativity.
The professor highlights the atmosphere at the Panamericana as a key factor in this process. “I’m pleased to see that students at the Universidad Panamericana actively in class and also talk with professors outside the classroom. Small groups help foster a positive learning environment and a strong teacher-student relationship, which creates a community where everyone learns together,” he notes.
A career with a global impact in development economics
Dr. Kamei doesn't just teach about social impact; he lives it in his own career. His primary area of research is development economics, a field that examines challenges such as poverty from interconnected perspectives including health, education, employment, and gender.
His career is a testament to his dedication and global commitment. Before joining the Universidad Panamericana, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the prestigious Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago, led by Michael Kremer, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics.
At the DIL, he led research projects in Kenya, India, Nigeria, and Uganda on drinking water and public health, helping to secure significant funding for large-scale projects.
His experience extends to leading international organizations. He worked as a consultant at the UNICEF Innocenti Research Office, where he studied the impact of school closures during the pandemic on children’s learning.
On the other hand, at the Inter-American Development Bank, he evaluated a government early childhood development program in Nicaragua. In addition, he recently published an article in the World Bank Economic Review on how early childhood home-visiting programs influence children’s cognitive development.
La Panamericana: A Space for Academic and Cultural Growth
Originally from Japan, Dr. Kamei highlights the welcoming and multicultural nature of the Universidad Panamericana, which fosters both academic development and intercultural harmony. “What has really impressed me about the Universidad Panamericana how well it supports international students and faculty, ” he says.
He also adds: “The university has a great system that fosters cultural exchange and mutual learning. I’m sure anyone who has visited the Universidad Panamericana felt this warm and open atmosphere.”
Finally, Professor Kamei extends an open invitation to students and researchers from around the world: “I would encourage any student or researcher considering an exchange, conducting research, or teaching to come and experience it for themselves. It’s a wonderful place to grow both academically and culturally.”
Commitment to excellence and social impact
With a career dedicated to understanding and improving living conditions in developing countries, and with a contagious passion for teaching, Dr. Akito Kamei embodies the excellence and human commitment that distinguish the academic community at the Universidad Panamericana.
His work inspires new generations of economists to look beyond models and statistics, recognizing that economic knowledge has the power to transform realities and promote well-being. Learn more about the School of Government and Economics at: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-universidad-escuela-de-gobierno-y-economia/
