Ariel Zetlin-Jones

Ariel Zetlin-Jones is an Associate Professor of Economics at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University. His research and teaching focus on blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and their applications in financial markets. He pioneered the course 'Developing Blockchain Use Cases,' which engages students in designing real-world blockchain solutions for campus challenges like the CMU Coin project. His interdisciplinary work spans economics, computer science, and business, emphasizing the societal impact of decentralized systems. Zetlin-Jones collaborates with faculty across disciplines to explore blockchain's role in improving markets, credit systems, and financial innovation. His research bridges theoretical economic analysis with practical blockchain implementations, addressing topics like consensus mechanisms, market frictions, and regulatory frameworks.

• Affiliations: Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University
• Key Research Areas: Blockchain economics, cryptocurrency markets, financial frictions

His courses and projects foster student-driven innovation, with alumni entering blockchain startups, traditional finance, and roles at companies like Coinbase. He actively engages with industry through Ripple's UBRI podcast, discussing blockchain education and workforce development. His academic contributions include over 20 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from cryptocurrency derivatives to decentralized credit systems.