Robert Lester

Macroeconomist Robert Lester’s work spans a number of important and policy-relevant fields ranging from monetary to welfare policy. A prolific scholar, he has placed many articles in top-quality journals since arriving at Colby, work that is already having a significant impact in shaping economic and public policy. He has a particular talent for identifying topics with important policy implications and then finding creative ways to use the latest modeling techniques to generate new (and often surprising) answers to very complex questions. He has introduced cutting-edge mathematical modeling techniques to the Colby curriculum, teaching macroeconomic theory using a textbook he co-wrote to support the material he wanted to teach. This open-source book is widely used in economics departments across the country and shows his dedication to ensuring students have the best teaching materials to support their learning. Lester completed an M.A. and a Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame. He also holds a B.A. from the University of Montana