Olga Isengildina Massa

Olga Isengildina Massa is the John B. and Kristi L. Rowsell Professor and Undergraduate Director in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. Her work focuses on commodity market dynamics, price forecasting, and risk management. She leads the Commodity Investing by Students (COINS) program, blending academic research with hands-on market experience.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mississippi State University, Agricultural Economics (2000)
• M.S., Mississippi State University, Agricultural Economics (1996)
• B.A., Tashkent State University, English Philology (1993)

Research Interests: Commodity price analysis, USDA report impact, forecasting methodologies, and agricultural risk management strategies. Her work emphasizes practical applications for agribusiness profitability.

Publications Overview: Recent research includes advancements in cotton price forecasting, USDA forecast evaluation, and meat demand resilience during disease outbreaks. These studies address critical gaps in market efficiency and policy communication.

Awards:

• Virginia Tech Excellence in Career Advising (2019-2020)
• Third Place, Southern Economics Association Poster Competition (2013)
• Outstanding Reviewer Award, Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (2012)

Advising & Grants: Advises COINS students on commodity trading and research projects. Engages in USDA-funded studies on farm income forecasts and volatility analysis. Collaborates with institutions like Clemson University and the University of Georgia.

Labs/Teams: Leads COINS program and chairs NCCC-134 committee on commodity price analysis and risk management.