Charles Becker

Charles Becker is a Research Professor in the Department of Economics at Duke University, serving as Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies for MAPE and MSEC programs. He joined Duke in 2003, previously holding academic roles at the University of Colorado and Vanderbilt University. He earned his PhD in Economics from Princeton University (1981) and a BA from Grinnell College (1976).

His research focuses on transition economies, urbanization, pension reform, and demographic change, with notable projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and sub-Saharan Africa. Key areas include modeling the long-term impacts of violent conflict, bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan, and suburbanization in transition economies. Collaborations involve institutions like the Asian Development Bank, RAND Corporation, and Harvard University.

Becker has advised governments on pension reforms and contributed to major reports such as Cities Transformed (2003). His work bridges theoretical models with empirical policy analysis, addressing global challenges like infant mortality underreporting and economic migration.

Teaching includes courses on Urban Economics, African Development, and advanced microeconomic theory. His advising and grants reflect interdisciplinary engagement with development economics, health economics, and spatial analysis.

Becker’s research labs and teams focus on collaborative projects, such as the ‘Trailer Park Economics’ initiative with NY Fed and Duke colleagues, and studies on conflict impacts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His work emphasizes bridging academic theory with real-world policy applications.