Sean P. MacDonald

Sean P. MacDonald is a Professor of Economics in the Department of Social Science at the School of Arts & Sciences, City University of New York, City Tech. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from The New School for Social Research, a Certificate in Labor Studies from Cornell University, and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Maryland. She has served as the Economics discipline coordinator since 2010 and is actively involved in institutional governance through committees on interdisciplinary studies, general education, and faculty appointments.

• Ph.D. in Economics, The New School for Social Research
• M.A. in Economics, The New School for Social Research
• Certificate in Labor Studies, Cornell University
• B.A. in Sociology, University of Maryland

Her research spans environmental economics, housing and mortgage markets, income inequality, and public policy, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary pedagogy. She explores innovative teaching methods such as place-based and virtual learning, aiming to connect urban education with real-world economic and environmental challenges. Her work integrates data visualization and collaborative teaching models to enhance student engagement and critical thinking.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a sustained focus on economic crises, housing policy, and educational innovation. They span journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, highlighting her dual commitment to economic research and pedagogical advancement. Key themes include the foreclosure crisis, mortgage modification effectiveness, intertemporal poverty, and the integration of interdisciplinary methods in STEM and urban education.

She has been recognized through competitive fellowships, including:

• NEH Grant Program Fellow, Making Connections: Engaging the Humanities at a College of Technology
• Fourth-Year Fellow, Title V Grant Program, A Living Laboratory: Revitalizing General Education for a 21st Century College of Technology

Dr. MacDonald has advised and collaborated on grant-funded initiatives that aim to revitalize general education and promote interdisciplinary learning. She has served on key institutional committees and professional organizations, including the New York State Economic Association, where she has served on the Board of Directors since 2012. Her teaching includes Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Environmental Economics, and Visualizing Economic Data, reflecting both her research and educational priorities. She has co-edited two books on interdisciplinary place-based learning and has contributed extensively to academic discourse through publications and conference leadership.

She is actively involved in academic communities, including the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the New York State Economic Association. Her work bridges economic analysis with educational innovation, particularly in urban technical colleges, aiming to make economics more accessible, relevant, and impactful for diverse student populations.