Notable Alumni

Dr. Nathan Nunn

Frederic E. Abbe Professor of Economics, Harvard University

BA Economics, 1998
2017 Winner of Outstanding Alumni Award for Academic Achievement - Rising Star

Recognized worldwide as a researcher to watch, the International Monetary Fund named Dr. Nathan Nunn one of the “25 economists under 45 who are shaping the way we think about the global economy.” Receiving tenure at Harvard University, Nunn’s influence in the field of economics has been extraordinary.

Nunn’s work has shaped academic and policy debates related to the long-term impact of events such as the African slave trade and European colonization, as well as the role of institutions in international trade. Notably, he has published research examining the historical foundations of current outcomes such as gender norms, religion and support for democracy. He has also published articles investigating topics such as the effects of Fair Trade Certification, CIA interventions during the Cold War, industrial policy and foreign aid. With an incredible number of accomplishments achieved in a short amount of time, Nunn’s reputation as one of the top economists in the world is likely only to increase.