Jesse D. Backstrom

Dr. Jesse D. Backstrom is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University, part of the College of Science and Engineering. He joined the university in August 2021 after completing a Postdoctoral Scholar position at the University of Chicago (2019–2021). His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University (2019), an M.S. in Economics from Utah State University (2014), and dual undergraduate degrees in Economics and Environmental Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato (2012).

Research Interests
Dr. Backstrom specializes in Applied Microeconomics, focusing on Energy, Environmental, and Resource Economics, Experimental Economics, Financial Economics, and Public Economics. His work addresses topics such as oil and gas markets, renewable energy valuation, auction mechanisms, intellectual property protection in agriculture, and charitable giving dynamics. His experimental research often involves field experiments to explore bargaining, discrimination, and asset market behaviors.

Teaching
He teaches courses including International Food & Fiber Systems (AG 3319), Agricultural Marketing & Sales (AG 3351), and Agricultural Policy (AG 4381). These courses reflect his expertise in global trade, resource management, and policy analysis.

Personal Interests
Beyond academia, Dr. Backstrom enjoys fishing, basketball, traveling to baseball stadiums, supporting the Minnesota Vikings, and assisting on his grandparents' Wisconsin farm.