Phillip Curry

Q: Where did you go to university?
A: “I went to school at the University of Western Ontario – for all three degrees, BA, MA and PhD.”

Q: What area of study in economics do you specialize in?
A: “My area of research is law and economics, specifically the economics of crime.” [Economics of crime brings together economists and other scholars who research the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the ways to reduce the costs of crime to society]

Q: What research are you currently working on?
A: “I am currently working on an empirical paper that estimates the effect of policing on crime rates as well as a theoretical paper that  explains several features of the criminal justice system, such as why criminal history matters and why necessity can be a defense sometimes.”

Q: What classes do you teach here at the university?
A: “I teach Econ 401 (4th year micro theory), Econ 451 (4th year law and economics), Econ 254 (2nd year economics of sports) and Econ 701 (PhD micro theory).”

Q: And how long have you been teaching at uWaterloo?
A: “I have been at Waterloo since 2010. Before that I spent 9 years teaching at Simon Fraser University.

Q: Why economics? What is your favourite thing about it?
A: “I chose economics because the underlying philosophy made a lot of sense to me. That and it was my highest mark in 1st year university.”

Q: Do you have any special or interesting talents?
A: “My special talent is that I can wiggle my ears. In fact, I can wiggle one at a time.”

Q: What did you want to be “when you grew up?”
A: “When I was a kid, I actually wanted to be a journalist – especially a sports journalist. I’ve actually had a bit of chance to see what that’s like, and it’s hard! I’m glad I’m an economist.”

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