Martin Shields

Professor Martin Shields is a faculty member in the Department of Economics at Colorado State University (CSU), serving as the Director of Undergraduate Studies. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on regional economic growth, labor market outcomes, and the economic impacts of natural hazards and policy interventions. Shields specializes in modeling the effects of renewable energy transitions, disaster resilience strategies, and socioeconomic policy.

His teaching includes courses such as Intermediate Microeconomics, Labor Economics, and Regional Economics. He has conducted influential studies on the economic implications of 100% renewable energy transitions (e.g., LA100 and PR100 projects) and has evaluated disaster mitigation strategies in regions like Puerto Rico and Utah. His work integrates engineering, environmental science, and economic modeling to address real-world challenges.

Shields' research spans climate adaptation, infrastructure resilience, and energy policy. Notable projects include analyzing the economic impacts of improved weather forecasting systems (e.g., HRRR model) and assessing the effects of financial relief delays on disaster recovery. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economic theory with practical policy design, emphasizing equity and sustainability.

While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to regional economic analysis and policy are widely recognized. Shields collaborates with government agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations to inform evidence-based decision-making. His advisory and grant activities, while not explicitly detailed, are implied through his extensive research portfolio and leadership roles.