The School of Public Policy hosts an economics and political science seminar series throughout fall term, bringing leaders in the field to Corvallis (in person and virtually) to present their latest research. All presentations will occur in Bexell Hall, Room 328, from noon to 1 p.m., unless otherwise stated. For accommodations related to ability, please contact derek.rury@oregonstate.edu

Oct. 31

John P. Nelson, School of Public Policy

Talk title: "Can artificial intelligence accelerate technological progress? Researchers’ perspectives on AI in manufacturing and materials science."

John P. Nelson is an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University. His research interests include the governance of emerging technologies; the role of science in politics and policymaking; and the evolution of knowledge and technology. Nelson’s current projects focus on ethics and responsibility in development and implementation of artificial intelligence; the effects of AI on scientific and technological progress; and the role of science in democracy. Prior to arriving at Oregon State, Nelson was a postdoctoral fellow in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His first book, with Barry Bozeman, is Advanced Introduction to Innovation and Public Values (2025), published by Edward Elgar.

Nov. 7

Emileigh Harrison, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin

Talk title: Impact of Free Community College on Non-Marginal College Enrollees

Emileigh Harrison investigates the causes and consequences of inequality in variety of contexts. Much of Harrison’s work is centered on understanding barriers to education – such as financial constraints or beliefs about academic abilities shaped by representation – and the role that education policy can play in eliminating them. Harrison focuses on non-traditional and informal educational contexts, including community colleges, homeschooling environments, and religious private schools.

Nov. 21

Gagandeep Sachdeva, University of California, Santa Cruz

Talk title: "Relative skills in the classroom: Teachers’ gender differentiated impacts on test scores and course grades."

Gagandeep Sachdeva is a Ph.D. candidate in economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Sachdeva broadly works in the economics of education, examining how differences in teacher effectiveness, institutional characteristics, and classroom interactions relate to gender and caste-based gaps in educational outcomes.