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Lee Branstetter

Lee Branstetter

James Walton Professor Economics

Dr. Branstetter has been a faculty member at CMU's Heinz College since 2006 and was appointed the James Walton Professor Economics in 2024.

Dr. Branstetter also serves as one of the faculty leaders of the Future of Work Initiative at the Block Center for Technology and Society, which explores the intersection of technology, society, work, and inequality. He also serves as a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, contributing his expertise to the wider economic research community.

Lee's expertise extends beyond the classroom. From fall 2011 through summer 2012, he served on the staff of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, where he acted as the senior economist for international trade and investment, advising the President and his top advisers on matters of U.S. economic policy.

Lee’s research interests focus on the economics of innovation and the economic and social impact of new technologies. His recent work reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, working alongside Carnegie Mellon's renowned computer scientists, learning scientists, and information systems experts.

A prolific scholar, Lee’s work has been published in numerous leading journals, including the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the American Economic Review, Management Science, the Strategic Management Journal, the RAND Journal of Economics, the Economic Journal, and the Journal of International Economics.

Prior to working at Carnegie Mellon University, Lee held the Daniel J. Stanton Associate Professorship of Business at Columbia Business School, where he directed the International Business Program. His academic journey also includes significant contributions at the University of California, Davis, as the Director of the East Asian Studies Program, and at Dartmouth College.

Dr. Branstetter earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University.

Courses Taught

  • 90-745 - Methods of Policy Analysis: Future of Work
  • 90-752 - Rise of the Asian Economies
  • 90-860 - Policy in a Global Economy 1: International Trade and Trade Policy
  • 90-862 - Policy in a Global Economy 2: International Macroeconomics and Finance

In The Media

Publications

Additional Information

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