Biography: James Murray

Position

I am a Professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. I joined the UWL Department of Economics in Fall 2009. I have experiencing teaching introductory level macroeconomics, data science for business, upper-level undergraduate courses related to macroeconomics, money and banking, and econometrics, and graduate-level quantitative research methods.


Research

My primary area of research interest is in macroeconomics, specifically regarding fiscal and monetary policy. I also contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning, which involves self-reflection and peer-reviewed dissemination of curricular and pedagogical strategies to improve student learning. I also 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, and hiking. I like to compete in running races, bike races, and triathlons in the La Crosse area and beyond. My less active hobbies include computer programming, building computers, drinking coffee, Rubik's cubes, board games, and volunteering in the community.


Family

I have been married to my wonderful wife since August 2008 and we have two school-age boys, Sam and Ben. Our favorite family activities involve being active outdoors together, enjoying nature, going to speed cubing competitions, and playing board games.