Associate Professor of Natural Resource Economics, School of Business and Economics
- PhD, Economics, University of Colorado at Boulder
Biography
Dr. Breffle is an applied microeconomist specializing in environmental economics. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, he conducted economic research primarily for testimony for large Natural Resource Damage Assessments, typically at Superfund sites. He has done work in 13 states for a variety of stakeholders. As a result, he brings practical and policy-relevant experience into Michigan Tech classrooms. Dr. Breffle regularly presents new research at national professional meetings and publishes in peer-reviewed books and journals. Recently, two of Dr. Breffle's journal articles were selected for the International Library of Environmental Economics and Policy book volumes as important and influential essays. In 2011, Dr. Breffle was a finalist for the Wells Fargo Teacher of the Year award in the School of Business and Economics.
Research Focus
The Great Lakes and their broader ecosystems help shape the industries, recreation, and culture of the people who live near them. The activities of those residents, in turn, affect the lakes and their ability to provide economic services. Associate Professor of Natural Resource Economics, Dr. William S. Breffle, is conducting research that examines the long-term environmental and economic impact of human activity on the Great Lakes environment. Dr. Breffle said he and his team of researchers hope that, ultimately, the research will aid in the development of policy management tools that sustain and protect the environmental and human-use services provided by these critical resources.
Teaching Interests
- Environmental economics
- Natural resource economics
- International economics
- Mathematical economics
- Principles of economics
Research Interests
- Non-market valuation
- Discrete choice modeling
- Benefit-cost analysis
- Restoration program planning
- Health economics