Biography: James Murray

Position

I am currently an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. I joined the UWL Department of Economics as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2009. I regularly teach multiple sections of introductory level macroeconomics, upper-level undergraduate courses related to macroeconomics and econometrics, and quantitative research methods in UW-L's MBA program.


Research

My primary area of research interest is in macroeconomics, specifically expectations formation in the macroeconomy and what economic consequences can come from expectations and uncertainty. I also occasionally contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning, which involves self-reflection, research, continual improvement, peer-review, and dissemination of curriculum and teaching strategies that promote student learning. Finally, I frequently collaborate with my colleagues in other fields, which has led to coauthored publications in sports economics, librarianship, and health economics of developing countries.


Education

I completed a Ph.D. in economics at Indiana University in May 2008. My doctoral dissertation examined evidence for adaptive expectations in macroeconomic models applied to the U.S. economy, and estimated the implications for the macroeconomy. I also completed a Master of Arts degree in economics at Indiana University in May 2004 and another at the University of Notre Dame in May 2002.


UWL is Home

I am originally from La Crosse, WI, and I attended UW-La Crosse as an undergraduate student, graduating in May 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics with minors in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. I am very happy to be working and living back in my hometown and at the university that always felt like home.


Hobbies

My active hobbies include running, biking, swimming, hiking, but mostly running. I like to spend a lot of money at running stores and I compete in many running races and triathlons in the La Crosse area and beyond. My less active hobbies include computer programming, building computers, and messing around with Linux.


Family

I have been married to my lovely wife since August 2008 and we have two elementary-school-age boys, Sam and Ben. Our favorite family activities involve being active outdoors together and enjoying nature.