We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jackson Bunting as a new faculty member in the Department of Economics. Get to know Dr. Bunting through his bio and Q&A below.
Bio
Dr. Jackson Bunting is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Washington. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University and a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honors in Economics from the University of Melbourne. His research spans theoretical econometrics, panel data analysis, and applied microeconomics, with a particular focus on dynamic discrete choice models. Dr. Bunting’s work has been published in leading academic journals, including the Review of Economic Studies.
Before joining UW, Dr. Bunting was a faculty member at Texas A&M University, where he taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in econometrics. He is passionate about engaging students with complex economic concepts and helping them understand their real-world applications. Dr. Bunting is excited to bring his expertise in econometrics to UW’s vibrant academic community.
Q & A with Jackson Bunting, Ph.D.
How do you see the field of economics evolving over the next few years?
"I think we’ll continue to see the integration of big data and machine learning into economics, which will enhance our ability to analyze complex datasets. At the same time, econometrics will play an important role in exploring how, even with large, complex datasets, we can make valid causal inferences using observational data."
What is a recent project or paper you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
"One of my recent projects is a paper titled "Faster estimation of dynamic discrete choice models using index invertibility." In this work, we address a computational challenge in the estimation of dynamic discrete choice models, which are used extensively in economics to analyze decision-making over time. The method we developed focuses on improving the computation time of these estimations by utilizing the underlying model structure. This approach significantly reduces computational complexity without sacrificing statistical accuracy."
What are your primary research interests, and why are they important to you?
"My primary research interests lie in econometrics, specifically on topics motivated by dynamic discrete choice models and panel data methods. These areas are important because they provide the tools to analyze complex decision-making processes using observational data, which are central to understanding economic behavior in contexts like labor markets and consumer choice. Improving the accuracy and generalizability of these methods is critical for advancing empirical research in a wide range of economic fields."
How do you spend your time outside of work? Any hobbies or interests?
"Outside of work, I enjoy riding, hiking and getting outdoors as much as possible. I’m also a fan of skate skiing in the winter. In the PNW, we feel compelled to get outside whenever it's not raining!"