Professor Jonathan Haughton
For our July 2018 member of the month, the International Atlantic Economic Society welcomes Professor Jonathan Haughton. Professor Haughton received a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University, and his B.A. from Trinity College.
Why did you become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?
Originally from Ireland, I did my undergraduate degree in economics at Trinity College Dublin and my Ph.D. at Harvard University. My wife is French, and we spend summers there. Thus it is entirely natural to want to be part of a society that straddles the Atlantic and focuses on economics.
What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?
I have just completed a draft chapter on agricultural finance in Mexico, after writing similar chapters on Vietnam and Thailand. Microfinance is not a panacea that will cure poverty, but it does seem to be helpful. Other recent projects have included an examination of the distributional effects of the tax reforms proposed by U.S. Presidential candidates, and those passed by Congress last December. And I am half way through writing a book entitled Causal Business Analytics. Life is not dull!
What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?
Develop, and maintain, some solid technical skills, probably in applying econometric techniques. But read newspapers (and The Economist), to stay grounded in the real world. Don’t ignore history either. Further, think carefully about how to write well. And take pleasure in teaching and research; once it becomes a chore, move on to something else!
Going forward, what other projects/research are you looking to or hoping to pursue?
I have just been appointed Chair of my department, and I chair our faculty senate, so there are busy months ahead. I expect to continue to work with the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, on the analysis and measurement of poverty there.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I play badminton (although not very well) a couple of times a week; enjoy do it yourself projects around the house and garden; and waste a lot of time doing kenkens!