My name is Sara Esfahani and I am a Clinical Professor of Economics at University of San Diego (USD). Before joining USD in 2019, I worked as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
I have a PhD in economics from University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in economics from Bowling Green State University. I obtained my bachelor's degree in theoretical economics from Allameh Tabatabaei University of Tehran in my hometown before coming to the US.
Most of my research aims to understand the underlying reasons for poverty in developing countries. A large share of resources in poor countries is allocated to agriculture, but this sector is very inefficient in these countries. So, I focus on understanding the roots of inefficiency in agriculture in these countries, hoping to be able to prescript the right policies for them to grow out of poverty.
Aside from teaching and research, which are my favorite things to do, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and exploring restaurants with my family. I also like running, hiking, and skiing.
Throughout years, I've lived in Tehran (Iran), Bowling Green (OH), Columbus (OH), South Bend (IN), San Ramon (CA), Portland (OR), Houston (TX), and San Diego (CA). The two pictures below show my favorite cities (among places where I've lived): Tehran and Portland. What I love the most about these two cities is the mountains and the people.