Rocco is a DPhil candidate at the Oxford Department of International Development. He also holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford and a BA (Hons) in Economic History from the University of Cape Town. Rocco has worked as a researcher for the Southern African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town since 2016. His previous experience also includes consulting work for the World Bank (2017-2018) and a visiting appointment at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies in Hamburg (2018). His research interests are regionally focused on South Africa, where he studies poverty, inequality and labour markets.