While working as a missionary in Northern Argentina, Michael Barnett witnessed firsthand the extreme poverty and inequality that grew out of risk and policy uncertainty. These profound negative effects on the population helped shape his interests in economics, urging him to understand the forces and explanations behind such outcomes. Read more…
Cameron Hu: Unconventional Oil and the Making of a New Energy Frontier
Having lived in Kuwait a few years after the first Gulf War, Cameron Hu witnessed firsthand the impact that petroleum has on national economies and international relations. Later, as an undergraduate studying the Middle East at the University of Pennsylvania, Hu’s interest in oil and its role in global economy grew. But he didn’t start his career there. He started in forests, working on a forestry crew in northern Arizona. Read more…
Nick Tsivanidis: Increasing Mass Transit for Cleaner, More Productive Cities
Before starting his PhD in Economics at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, Nick Tsivanidis spent a year in Rwanda working for the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). His experience studying East African industries and their lack of productivity compared to industries in the United Kingdom or United States helped shape his interest in urbanization and developing countries. Read more…
Areas of Focus: Energy Markets, Environment,
Definition
Energy Markets
Well-functioning markets are essential for providing access to reliable, affordable energy. EPIC research is uncovering the policies, prices and information needed to help energy markets work efficiently.
Definition
Environment
Producing and using energy damages people’s health and the environment. EPIC research is quantifying the social costs of energy choices and uncovering policies that help protect health while facilitating growth.
Definition
Well-functioning markets are essential for providing access to reliable, affordable energy. EPIC research is uncovering the policies, prices and information needed to help energy markets work efficiently.