April
Mehdi Haririan, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Bloomsburg University
For our April 2019 member of the month, the International Atlantic Economic Society welcomes Professor of Economics Mehdi Haririan. Dr. Haririan joined Bloomsburg University in fall 1982. Previously, he was a lecturer at the New School for Social Research, Fordham University, Baruch College and assistant professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey. He received his Ph.D. in 1987 with 2 concentration in economic theory and public finance from The New School University. Dr. Haririan received his bachelor’s degree from the National University of Iran and his Master’s degree in Economics/Agricultural Economics from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
Why did you become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?
I have been an IAES lifetime member since October 11, 1994. I was looking for a friendly international economic association that brings together both young and old economists and scholars from all over the world. They discuss different economic issues from many angles taking into consideration a variety of social economic issues and concerns. Since the participants come from public and private institutions, academic and non-academic entities, they learn from each other. I found that we can learn from each other, respect each other and be better individuals/economists wherever we reside.
What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?
I have worked on privatization and marketization in airports and prisons and the economics of transition and globalization. Currently I am working on the economics of happiness and the economics of obesity. These two topics are not unique to one nation and have global applications and interest.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?
I would advise newcomers to work on concrete projects that they have an interest in and that lead to publication. In my interest area, you can receive data and information from domestic and international sources. The economics of happiness and obesity, along with experimental and behavioral economics have generated a lot of interest and research among economists and non-economist scholars.
Going forward, what other projects/research are you looking to or hoping to pursue?
One topic that I have an interest in is wage discrepancy among the different members of society in the United States. It is important to conduct an effective investigation with a body of facts in order to find the full impact of investing in human capital. Investing more in human capital could resolve the socio-economic problem of wage discrepancy and discrimination.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I have an interest in reading, spending time with family and friends and traveling as much as I can. Travelling opens your eyes and help us to see we are more similar than not. The more knowledge we have about others, the better we are equipped to respect and care about one another.