Petra Todd

Petra Todd is a distinguished professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania, where she has made significant contributions to the fields of labor economics, development economics, and microeconometrics. Her scholarly work is widely recognized, with numerous publications in leading academic journals, including the American Economic Review and Econometrica. These publications underscore her expertise and commitment to advancing economic research. Dr. Todd's current research projects are both diverse and impactful. She is actively involved in evaluating school incentive programs in Mexico, which aim to improve educational outcomes through innovative policy interventions. Additionally, she is assessing pension market regulations in Chile, a critical area of study given the global challenges associated with aging populations and retirement security. Her work also extends to modeling teacher labor supply in Chile, providing insights into the dynamics of educational labor markets. Her research endeavors have garnered substantial support from prestigious funding bodies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Spencer Foundation. This funding not only highlights the importance of her work but also enables her to pursue projects that have the potential to influence policy and practice on a global scale. Beyond academia, Dr. Todd is actively engaged in consulting projects with organizations like the Population Council and the World Bank. These collaborations allow her to apply her academic insights to real-world challenges, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Her contributions in these roles have been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that address pressing economic and social issues. Dr. Todd's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English from the University of Virginia. She further honed her expertise by earning a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career, equipping her with the analytical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in her field. In addition to her research and consulting work, Dr. Todd is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of economists. Her dedication to education is evident in her interactions with students, whom she inspires to pursue rigorous and impactful economic research. Through her multifaceted career, Petra Todd continues to make significant contributions to the field of economics, influencing both academic discourse and practical policy solutions.