Carl McPherson
Assistant Professor of Economics
I am an applied microeconomist working at the intersection of public and labor economics. I use big administrative data to estimate causal effects using quasi-experimental methods. I am particularly interested in using that data to improve measurement of important economic statistics and for studying policies that have direct implications for policymakers. My goal, regardless of the context or method, is to create research that is rigorous, transparent, and useful to both scholars and stakeholders outside academia.
At Wellesley, I teach Econometrics (ECON 203). I look forward to adding elective courses in the future, and to collaborating with students on research projects.
Education
- B.A., Williams College
- Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley
Current and upcoming courses
Advanced Econometrics and Data Science
ECON303
This course will develop students' understanding of causal inference in cutting-edge empirical research. Students will develop tools for their own work and enhance their ability to critically evaluate research in the social sciences. How should a researcher approach an empirical question? How should a policymaker evaluate the impact of a program? Topics include randomized experiments, instrumental variables, panel data, regression discontinuity designs and machine learning. Applications will emphasize research on the frontier of applied microeconomics.
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State and Local Public Economics
ECON308
This course focuses on understanding the taxation and spending policies of state and local governments, which collect about a third of all taxes and administer one half of all government spending in the United States. Topics include fiscal federalism, social safety net programs, property taxes and housing policy. The course will cover models that economists use to think about these topics and students will have the opportunity to read and evaluate empirical research papers on these topics.