Kristin Kiesel

Kristin Kiesel is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She teaches courses in intermediate microeconomics, behavioral economics, marketing, and senior research thesis, emphasizing active, inclusive, and student-centered learning.

Education:

• Ph.D., Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Berkeley (2008)
• M.S., Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Berkeley (2006)
• M.S., Applied Economics, Montana State University (2002)
• M.A. (summa cum laude), Communication Sciences, Economics, Modern German Philology, Technische Universität-Berlin, Germany (2000)

Her research interests include consumer behavior, food policy, behavioral economics, and nutritional labeling, with a focus on the economic impacts of food safety incidents, sugar-sweetened beverage taxation, and strategic firm responses to labeling regulations. Her work often examines how policy interventions affect consumer choices and market outcomes, particularly in the context of health and sustainability.

Her recent publications span topics such as soda taxes, E. coli outbreaks in romaine lettuce, school nutrition policies, and marketing cooperatives, appearing in top journals like Annual Review of Resource Economics, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, and Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on real-world food system challenges, policy evaluation, and behavioral insights.

Scientific Awards:

• ASUCD Excellence in Education Award (2024)

Kristin is deeply committed to inclusive education and mentoring, particularly through the DIRECT (Diversity and Inclusion in Research, Education, and Career Training) program, which supports underrepresented students in agricultural economics. She has published on pedagogical innovations, remote learning, and student engagement, reflecting her dedication to improving teaching practices. She also mentors undergraduate thesis students and contributes to curriculum development and faculty training in inclusive pedagogy.

She is actively involved in research teams and initiatives, often collaborating with colleagues at UC Davis and beyond on food policy, consumer behavior, and agricultural markets. Her work includes feasibility studies for local food systems and food business incubators, highlighting her engagement with community-based economic development.