BIOGRAPHY... benjamin ho

[A picture of me]

(picture credit R-)


Friend: "You do pretty well just wandering through life."
Me: "I guess I do..."
(Sept 3, 2003)


Education

Stanford University (2001-2006)

PhD Economics 2006,
MA Education 2004,
MA Political Science 2004

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1996-2000)

M.Eng Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2000,
BS Economics 1999,
BS Mathematics 1999,
BS Computer Science 2000


Job Experience

  • Vassar College - Assistant Professor of Economics (2011-present)
  • Cornell University - Assistant Professor of Economics - (2006-2011)
  • White House Council of Economic Advisers - Lead Energy Economist (2006-2007)
  • Morgan Stanley - Analyst (2000-2001)


Background

Ben Ho is an associate professor of behavioral economics at Vassar College who applies economic tools like game theory and experimental design to understand social systems such as apologies, identity, fairness and attitudes about climate change. Before Vassar, he taught MBA students at Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management. Professor Ho was also lead energy economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and has worked and consulted for Morgan Stanley and several tech startups. Professor Ho also teaches at Columbia University where he is a faculty affiliate for the Center for Global Energy Policy. His work has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Ho holds seven degrees from Stanford and MIT in economics, education, political science, math, computer science and electrical engineering.

My research is about the application of economics tools such as game theory and information theory toward social interactions that have traditionally been the purview of sociologists or psychologists. My current research includes theories and empirics on apologies, identity, climate change attitudes, trust, and news cycle trends.

I have more interests than probably reasonable, but the main ones have included photography, art, musical theatre, rollerhockey, blogging, sailing, comics, Neal Stephenson, programming, poker, food and wine, etc.

I grew up in Morristown, NJ, but call New York home. I moved to gorgeous Ithaca from charming Baltimore where my wife attended Med School. She is now an assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia