Dr. Kirby Nielsen

Professor

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Biography

Kirby Nielsen is a Professor of Economics at California Institute of Technology and a William H. Hurt Scholar. He obtained his B.A. from Rice University in 2013, his M.A. from Ohio State University in 2014, and completed his Ph.D. in 2018 at Ohio State University. Prior to his current role, Nielsen served as an Assistant Professor at Caltech from 2020 to 2024 and worked as a postdoctoral fellow in economics at Stanford University from 2018 to 2020. His research interests include Experimental Economics, Behavioral Economics, and Decision Theory, with a focus on how individuals make decisions under uncertainty. By employing experimental methods, he aims to test and refine economic theories to enhance understanding in various contexts, such as financial investment and healthcare. His recent work has explored themes such as the dynamics of self-confidence in decision-making and the reconsideration of behavioral economics principles.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Current position as a Professor of Economics.

Assistant Professor

2020-01-01 — 2024-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Served as an Assistant Professor in Economics.

Postdoctoral Fellow

2018-06-01 — 2020-01-01

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Economics.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.