Akshaya Jha

Akshaya Jha is an Associate Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College and a Faculty Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research. His academic career bridges economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy application, with a particular focus on environmental and energy economics.

Professor Jha's research interests center on the economic and environmental impacts of policies affecting wholesale electricity supply. His work combines sophisticated economic modeling with rigorous causal inference methods to quantify policy effects. Key areas of investigation include electricity market design, nuclear power economics, air pollution costs, and the historical evolution of energy systems. His research often leverages newly digitized historical data spanning decades to analyze long-term trends and policy impacts.

Professor Jha's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity in top economics and interdisciplinary journals. His work shows a clear trajectory from analyzing specific regulatory impacts (like the Clean Air Act) to broader energy system transformations (such as decarbonization pathways and nuclear phase-outs). The research consistently addresses questions of immediate policy relevance while maintaining academic rigor.

• Hicks-Tinbergen Award (best paper in Journal of the European Economic Association)
• Heinz College Martcia Wade Teaching Award (2023)
• USAEE Young Professional Research Award (2021)

Professor Jha's advising and grant activities reflect his position as an established researcher in environmental and energy economics. His work has been supported by major research institutions, and he contributes to academic discourse through his NBER affiliation. His teaching at Heinz College bridges economics, public policy, and environmental studies, preparing students to address complex energy and environmental challenges with analytical rigor.