Samuel S. Bird

Samuel S. Bird is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Bates College, specializing in development economics with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, particularly agricultural households. He conducts field experiments and surveys in Kenya, Uganda, and the U.S., analyzing primary/secondary data to study technology adoption, market participation, and economic behavior in rural communities.

He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural & Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis. His teaching emphasizes econometrics and quantitative research skills, including courses like ECON 255 (Econometrics) which covers regression analysis, forecasting, and simultaneous equation models.

Key research themes include the role of farmer groups in knowledge sharing, transaction costs in agricultural technology adoption, and gender dynamics in market participation. His work bridges theoretical economic models with empirical evidence from African agricultural contexts.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed. Advising and grants details are not provided in the text. His office is located in Pettengill Hall, Room 271, and he maintains a Google Site for professional resources.