Q&A with Visiting Fellow Ron Chan
Ron Chan is a senior lecturer in environmental economics at The University of Manchester and he is currently a visiting faculty fellow at the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University in 2023-2024. Executive Director Daniel Tkacik sat down with Ron to chat about his research, his favorite things about Pittsburgh and dispelling rumors that economists bite (he's kidding, of course). Read the full interview below:
Tell us about your areas of research expertise.
I am an environmental and energy economist, and I work on empirical topics largely related to air pollution and energy markets. Some of my recent projects include energy transition in local labor markets, the integration of renewable energy in the electricity market, and the impact of air pollution on education outcomes.
How did you get into your field of research?
It is kind of an interesting story! An undergraduate professor of mine invited me to participate in an independent research project. I came across a news article that showed that the number of tourists visiting in Hong Kong rose when air pollution was high–– that can’t be, right? That inspired me to get into a research career. Of course, the bad air quality in Hong Kong certainly helped …
Why are there more tourists in Hong Kong when air pollution is high?
As it turns out, it was the seasonality effect as there is usually higher pollution in the winter (when the wind blows from the North), and more people visit Hong Kong in winter when it is much cooler.
What valuable insights have you gained from your work at the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation?
The engineering and policy perspectives certainly helped a lot. Especially for economists like me, who often think in a vacuum, it certainly helps a lot to listen to seminars and talks by non-economists working on the energy market and energy transition [to gain context].
Beyond your research, what opportunities has your Scott Institute Visiting Fellowship experience enabled you to explore?
Interacting with Scott Institute and CMU colleagues has been the most enjoyable part of my visit certainly. I developed collaborations with my economics colleagues at CMU, and I look forward to creating more opportunities with non-economists to achieve our bigger objectives.
What sort of advice do you have for the people interested in pursuing work in air pollution, climate policy and/or the electricity market?
Read more, especially work outside of your own field. I really enjoyed interacting with researchers outside my field: sometimes we have tunnel vision when we only focus on our own field and exposing ourselves to other topics can create really impactful projects
What are some of your favorite things about Pittsburgh?
The cafes and restaurants are surprisingly nice near CMU, and Pittsburgh is a very walkable city, so I can get to many places easily. And I love Fallingwater!
I'm glad you enjoy the cafes and restaurants near campus! Do you have any recommendations? Are you able to name a few favorites?
My usual go-to spots are in Shadyside: Coffee Tree Roasters to chill or do some work, Fujiya ramen for a quick bite, or Tocayo for some very, very, very nice tacos!
Do you have any hobbies or other interests?
I like hiking and spending time outdoors, so being close to parks certainly helped. I look forward to exploring more outdoor space during the spring! My nerdy self also likes spending time playing board games with friends.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m always happy to interact with and meet more people, so feel free to stop by my office for a chat! Not all economists bite!
Hear more from Ron Chan at his tech talk "Challenges in Clean Energy Transition: What Do Economists Know and Not Know" where he will address the challenges and opportunities in the clean energy transition from an economics perspective. Register Here