Faculty Profile: Dr. Feler Bose
Feler Bose took a winding road to his interest in economics, earning an undergraduate degree in chemistry and physics and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering before earning his doctorate in economics.
He grew up in India and applied to many colleges in the United States before deciding on Hope College. After earning his master’s degree at Georgia Tech, he worked for the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at Georgia Tech as a Research Engineer.
But Bose knew he didn’t enjoy being an engineer and realized he had always enjoyed reading and learning about economics.
“I took one economics class during my time at Hope,” he says. “It really shows you the value of a liberal arts education that a class I didn’t think was relevant at the time is now my profession.”
Bose earned his doctorate at George Mason University. He has a wide range of research interests, including religion and law as they relate to economics. He was looking to work at a liberal arts college, and was familiar with Alma because of his time in Michigan.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I came here, but the students have been very respectful, and in such a small community, people really look out for one another,” he says.
Bose has taught a number of courses at Alma College, including a Spring Term course on economic development that traveled to his native India.
“The students had a chance to talk to many businesses and organizations about economic growth in India and how it is affecting them,” he says. The students and Bose spent their time mostly in four cities and their surrounding areas—Kodaikanal, Chennai, Bangalore and New Delhi. They were also able to visit the Taj Mahal, Lotus temple, Madurai temple, and other cultural points of interest.
In his spare time, Bose enjoys spending time with his family, attending church events, and traveling.
