Professor Dr. Barb Bloemhof

Biography

Barb Bloemhof is a Lecturer at the University of Waterloo, specializing in economics with a focus on institutional analysis and experimental economics. Her research examines the governing rules affecting exchanges among people and how these rules influence the distribution of benefits. Drawing on the work of economist Douglass North, she analyzes implicit economic processes through institutional analysis popularized by Elinor Ostrom, particularly in the context of regulatory changes and their implications for social welfare. Bloemhof employs innovative teaching methodologies, including problem-based and case-based learning, to enhance student engagement and foster resourcefulness in an academic setting. She teaches courses such as the Senior Honours Essay and has authored numerous publications in esteemed journals, including research on the benefits of consumer dynamics in natural gas markets and pedagogical strategies for undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences. Her commitment to improving educational practices and regulation structuring contributes significantly to her field.

Research Interests