Dr. Scott Pearson

Biography

Scott Pearson is a Professor Emeritus at the Food Research Institute at Stanford University, specializing in economic development and international trade. He joined Stanford in 1968, became an Associate Professor with tenure in 1974, and a full Professor in 1980. He served as Associate Director of the Food Research Institute from 1977 to 1984 and as its Director from 1992 to 1996, transitioning to Professor Emeritus in 2002. Over the years, he lectured extensively, conducting educational travel programs and visiting multiple continents. Pearson earned his Bachelor of Sciences in American history from the University of Wisconsin in 1961, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nigeria, and pursued advanced studies at Johns Hopkins University, earning a Master of Arts in 1965 and a Doctorate in Economics from Harvard University in 1968. His dissertation, focused on the impact of petroleum exports, contributed to his research on Nigeria and later expanded to include countries like Ghana, Indonesia, and Kenya. He emphasized food and agricultural policy analysis, particularly the interplay of pricing and economic policies, and was awarded the Dean’s Award for Teaching at Stanford. Pearson developed the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) in collaboration with Eric Monke, which integrates various policy analysis methods. He has authored numerous publications, including 12 books applying PAM, and received accolades for his contributions to quality communication in agricultural economics. Pearson has served on multiple university committees and lived in various student residences at Stanford, engaging deeply with the student community.

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