Meet the Faculty: Wondmagegn Tafesse Tirkaso

Photo: Juliana Wiklund.

Meet the Faculty: Wondmagegn Tafesse Tirkaso

Affiliation: Researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Swedish Program course: Energy and Environmental Economics


I am an economist with a Ph.D. degree from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala. My research focuses on the economics of environment, agriculture, and development, with special emphasis on productivity analysis, energy economics, climate policies, and bio-diversities. For the past two years, I have been working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). My research project investigated the distributional effects of CO2 tax in the Swedish transport sector and its implication on the 2030 emission reduction target. Currently, I am also working on multiple projects dealing with voting behavior and green vehicle adoption, the impact of regulation on firm’s energy choice and productivity, and the welfare impacts of rural electrification.

I have always been drawn to teaching. Even during my bachelor’s studies, as a second-year student, I used to volunteer to tutor mathematics and economics to first-year students of up to 20 individuals who were not performing well. Since then, both my education level and teaching experiences have well progressed.

The traditional teaching method is not always effective, and thus, needs to be supported by a strategy that makes students learn through active assignments, projects, and classroom discussion, which helps students develop critical examination skills. These approaches have to be augmented by social learning approaches where students interact with peers, teachers, and relevant organizations through group work and various activities. Less traditional teaching methods using theatrical props, classroom debates, and acting out scenarios can also help students stay motivated and learn faster. I believe a teacher’s biggest challenge is to design an inclusive teaching mechanism, combining several methods to achieve the best teaching goals. I should also stress that studying aboard can be a life-changing experience for students. From enhancing global network to experiencing a new culture, the benefits to student’s education and career are significant.

I am very excited to teach a new the Energy and Environmental Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics for The Swedish Program. The course covers a general overview of important aspects of provision, management, and economic and political importance of energy resources and their environmental implications. I am confident that incoming students from different universities in the United States will enjoy the course and their time in the vibrant city of Stockholm.

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