Dr. Andrew Simons is an applied micro economist researching questions with important policy implications for developing countries. These questions include: (1) understanding barriers to the adoption of health and welfare improving technologies, (2) evaluating scalable programs and policies with the potential to minimize human suffering such as social protection programs, and (3) a growing variety of sustainability topics. He applies econometric techniques to micro level data gathered through field experiments and through leveraging geospatial and satellite-based data.

Prior to pursuing an academic career, he worked for seven years as a development practioner in Ethiopia and Honduras, holding various senior-level NGO management positions. He holds a PhD in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University (2016) as well as a Master of Public Administration in International Development from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (2004). His work has appeared in the Journal of Development Economics, Journal of the European Economic Association, Global Environmental Change, and Nature Food, among others. He is currently an associate professor in the department of economics at Fordham University and an adjust associate professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.