FACULTY
Dr. Martin Shields
Associate Professormartin.shields@colostate.edu
C 323 Clark Building
970.491.2922
970.491.2925 Fax
B.A., Michigan State University
M.A., Penn State
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Teaching philosophy
Economics is a powerful tool for improving decisions and informing public policy...when properly applied. My goal is to help students develop as economists by sharpening their critical thinking and analytical skills. In particular, I want to enhance their abilities to use economic principles to better understand and predict behavior.
Research
My research focuses on the factors that influence regional economic growth, emphasizing policy options that will enhance economic opportunities and quality of life for the residents of northern Colorado. I develop economic models to identify the region’s competitive advantages and manners by which these advantages are reinforced and strengthened through public-private partnerships.
In related research, I examine how economic growth affects income distribution. Special attention is given to the affects of growth on low-wage households. From a policy perspective, I am interested in identifying strategies for helping workers move up through career ladders, regardless of their education.
I joined Colorado State University after working for 8 years at The Pennsylvania State University. My work is supported by a partnership between Colorado State’s Office of Economic Development, the Economics Department, and the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation, which provides financial support for my research and outreach programs.
Working papers and recent publications
Shields, Martin and David Keyser. (ongoing). “Structural Factors Affecting Economic Recovery of Small MSAs.”
Grassmueck, Georg, Stephan Goetz, and Martin Shields (2008). “Youth Out-Migration from Pennsylvania: The Roles of Government Fragmentation vs. the Beaten Path Effect” Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy.
Hughes, David and Martin Shields (2008) “Revisiting Tourism Regional Economic Impact: Accounting for Secondary Household Employment” Review of Regional Studies.
Shields, Martin and Matt Kures (2007). “Black Out of the Blue Light: An Analysis of Kmart store closing decisions” Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 14(4):259-268.