Sara Gundersen

Sara Gundersen is a Professor of Economics at Valparaiso University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in development economics, the economics of education, econometrics, and pedagogical innovation. Her research focuses on gender, religion, and economic outcomes in developing nations, particularly Ghana. She holds a Ph.D. from Clark University (2011), an M.A. from Clark University, and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Stout.

• Education:
  • B.A. – University of Wisconsin, Stout
  • M.A. – Clark University
  • Ph.D. – Clark University

Dr. Gundersen's research investigates how religious practices, education systems, and socio-economic policies influence gender dynamics and economic outcomes in global contexts. Recent work examines Pentecostalism's impact on intimate partner violence in Ghana and the relationship between charismatic church membership and women's economic empowerment. She has pioneered innovative teaching methods, including role-play simulations for macroeconomics instruction and pandemic-era pedagogy adapting to the 2020 crisis.

Her awards include the 2020-2021 Valparaiso Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2019 Wheat Ridge Ministries Research Grant. She has also been recognized for emerging teaching excellence multiple times (2015, 2014 nominee).

Dr. Gundersen is professionally affiliated with the American Economic Association (AEA) and the Center for the Status of Women in the Economics Profession (CSWEP). Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Principles of Economics, Environmental Economics, and the Economics of Developing Nations.