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 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College • Pittsburgh, PA

Appointed as a faculty member focusing on economics and public policy.

Staff Economist

2011-01-01 — 2012-01-01

President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers •

Acted as a senior economist on international trade and investment.

Daniel J. Stanton Associate Professor

— Present

Columbia Business School • New York, NY

Directed the International Business Program and contributed to the academic community.

Director

— Present

East Asian Studies Program • University of California, Davis

Oversaw the program and led initiatives related to East Asian studies.

Awards

#

Daniel Stanton Associate Professorship

2004-01-01
#

Chazen Innovation Prize

2002-01-01
#

Abe Fellowship

2001-01-01
#

Thomas Mayer Distinguished Teaching Award

2000-01-01
#

Japan Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

1994-01-01

Courses

90-745 - Methods Policy Analysis: Future Work 90-752 - Rise Asian Economies 90-860 - Policy Global Economy 1: International Trade Trade Policy 90-862 - Policy Global Economy 2: International Macroeconomics Finance

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
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.