Early Life and Education
Emily Oster was born on February 14, 1980, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Ray Fair and Sharon Oster. Her mother, Sharon Oster, is a renowned economist and Dean of the Yale School of Management. Growing up in an academic household, Emily developed a passion for economics from a young age. She attended Harvard University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics before pursuing her Ph.D. in Economics at Harvard as well.
Professional Career
After completing her doctoral studies, Emily Oster joined the faculty at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as an Assistant Professor of Economics. During her time at Chicago Booth, she published several influential papers on health economics and development economics. In 2009, she moved to Brown University as a tenured Associate Professor of Economics.
Notable Research Contributions
One of Emily Oster’s most well-known research contributions is her work on the impact of HIV/AIDS on African economies. Her research challenged conventional wisdom by showing that the economic effects of the disease were not as severe as previously believed. This groundbreaking research earned her widespread recognition in the field of development economics.
Data-Driven Parenting
In recent years, Emily Oster has gained fame outside of academia for her work on data-driven parenting. Drawing on her background in economics and statistics, she has applied rigorous analytical methods to debunk common myths and misconceptions about parenting practices. Her book “Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong–and What You Really Need to Know” became a bestseller and catapulted her to national prominence.
Personal Life
Emily Oster is married to Jesse Shapiro, a fellow economist who teaches at Brown University. The couple shares two children and are known for their data-driven approach to parenting. Emily often jokes that she applies the same analytical rigor to raising her children as she does to her research.
Awards and Recognition
Emily Oster’s contributions to both academia and popular culture have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, she was named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. She has also received numerous awards for her research, including grants from the National Science Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Current Work
Currently, Emily Oster is a Professor of Economics at Brown University, where she continues to conduct research on health economics and development economics. She also writes a popular column for The Atlantic, where she applies economic principles to everyday life issues. Her work remains highly influential in both academic and non-academic circles.
Legacy and Impact
Emily Oster’s unique approach to using data and evidence-based reasoning in parenting has sparked a new trend in the field. Parents are increasingly turning to empirical research to make informed decisions about child-rearing practices. By challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging critical thinking, Emily Oster has empowered parents to take control of their own choices.
Future Directions
As Emily Oster continues to push boundaries in both academia and popular culture, it will be interesting to see where her research takes her next. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to rigorous analysis, she is sure to make further contributions that will shape our understanding of economics and parenting for years to come.
