Paul Shaffer

Professor Paul Shaffer is affiliated with Trent University in the Department of International Development Studies. He also serves as Director of the Trent in Ghana Program and advises the annual SAID Conference. His academic journey includes a B.A. from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. from the University of Toronto, and a D.Phil. from Sussex University.

Shaffer’s research focuses on interdisciplinary poverty analysis, methodological pluralism, gender and poverty, and development economics. His work often combines qualitative and quantitative approaches (Q-Squared) to analyze poverty dynamics and policies, with particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa and Global South contexts.

His publications highlight immiserizing growth, poverty reduction strategies, and impact assessment across regions like Myanmar, Vietnam, and Canada. Key journals include World Development, Journal of African Economies, and Canadian Journal of Development Studies. He received the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching (2009-2010) for his accessible, student-centered pedagogy in courses like International Development Studies in an Economic Context.

Scientific Awards:

• Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching (2009-2010)

Shaffer’s teaching emphasizes real-world economic applications and demystification of academic jargon, earning praise for fostering student engagement and understanding. He contributes to fieldwork through the Trent in Ghana Program and mentorship of student-led initiatives like the SAID Conference.