Professor Dr. Lee Branstetter
Professor
Build a Statement of Purpose
Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Lee Branstetter. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.
Biography
Lee Branstetter is the James M. Walton Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College. He was appointed in 2006 and is known for his significant contributions to the fields of economics, technological innovation, international economics, and industrial organization. He has served on the President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers as a senior economist on international trade and investment, providing crucial advice on U.S. economic policy. His research explores the intersection of technology, society, and work, with a focus on how new technologies impact economic growth and social inequality, particularly in the context of East Asia. He has published extensively in prestigious journals such as the American Economic Review and the Quarterly Journal of Economics. Lee’s academic journey includes positions at Columbia Business School and the University of California, Davis, where he significantly contributed to both teaching and research initiatives. His scholarly work emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, working with experts in computer science and information systems to address complex economic challenges.
Research Interests
Experience
James M. Walton Professor
2006-01-01 — PresentCarnegie Mellon University, Heinz College • Pittsburgh, PA
Appointed as a faculty member focusing on economics and public policy.
Staff Economist
2011-01-01 — 2012-01-01President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers •
Acted as a senior economist on international trade and investment.
Daniel J. Stanton Associate Professor
— PresentColumbia Business School • New York, NY
Directed the International Business Program and contributed to the academic community.
Director
— PresentEast Asian Studies Program • University of California, Davis
Oversaw the program and led initiatives related to East Asian studies.
Awards
Daniel Stanton Associate Professorship
Chazen Innovation Prize
Abe Fellowship
Thomas Mayer Distinguished Teaching Award
Japan Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Courses
Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University
Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
GRE General
Prerequisites
Application Checklist
- Online application
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
- English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes
Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.