Sebastian Fossati

Sebastian Fossati is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Alberta (Faculty of Arts). He holds a PhD from the University of Washington (2010), an MA from the same institution (2006), and a Licenciado en Economía from Universidad de la República, Uruguay (2003). His research focuses on Time Series Econometrics, Empirical Macroeconomics, Forecasting, and Causal Inference. He has taught courses such as Econometric Methods, Prediction and Machine Learning for Economics, and Applied Economics Projects II.

His research explores topics like the economic impacts of policy interventions (e.g., minimum wage reforms, pandemic lockdowns), crime dynamics, and macroeconomic forecasting. He has secured significant funding, including multiple MITACS Accelerate grants (2023–2026) and fellowships such as the Grover and Creta Ensley Fellowship (2008–09). He has advised several PhD students, including Moshe Lander (Concordia University) and Max Sties (University of Alberta).

Fossati has presented his work at leading conferences like the Society for Nonlinear Dynamics & Econometrics (SNDE) and the International Association for Applied Econometrics (IAAE). His publications span journals such as Crime Science, Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, and Applied Economics. He actively contributes to academic service, including roles on the University of Alberta’s Arts Council for Technology & Innovation (2014–17) and the Department of Economics’ Visiting Speakers Committee.

• Grants/Awards: Multiple MITACS grants ($300K+), EFF-SAS Travel Grants (2016/2013/2011), Grover and Creta Ensley Fellowship.
• Teaching: Courses include ECON 497 (Econometric Methods), ECON 593 (Prediction and Machine Learning), and ECON 504 (Applied Economics Projects II).