The University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Economics has awarded three named professorships to faculty members Rishabh Kirpalani, Corina Mommaerts, and Dan Quint in recognition of their research achievements and contributions to the department’s academic mission.
Rishabh Kirpalani, Scott and Kathryn Happ Professor of Economics
Rishabh Kirpalani has been named the Scott and Kathryn Happ Professor of Economics. Kirpalani’s research focuses on macroeconomic theory, with particular attention to public finance and monetary and fiscal policy. His work examines how governments design and sustain credible policies in the face of uncertainty and limited commitment, shedding light on issues such as public debt, financial markets, and the effectiveness of policy interventions.
Corina Mommaerts, Brian L. and Brigid O. Hazen Professorship in Economics
Corina Mommaerts has received the Brian L. and Brigid O. Hazen Professorship in Economics. A scholar in public and labor economics, Mommaerts studies health, aging, and social insurance. Her research explores how individuals and families manage economic risk across different stages of life, addressing topics that include health insurance coverage, disability programs, and retirement systems. Her work contributes to ongoing policy discussions surrounding aging populations and economic inequality.
Dan Quint, Bartlett Family Professor of Economics
Dan Quint has been named the Bartlett Family Professor of Economics. The donor’s intent is to recognize a faculty member who excels in both undergraduate teaching and research. Quint is a gifted teacher and has served as Director of Undergraduate Studies for several years. His research spans microeconomic theory and industrial organization, with a focus on how markets function in practice. He studies strategic behavior in settings such as auctions and pricing environments, offering insights into how competition and market design influence outcomes in both historical and contemporary contexts.
“These named professorships recognize not only the intellectual contributions of Rishabh, Corina, and Dan, but also the ways their scholarship informs how we think about policy and markets,” said Kenneth Hendricks, professor and chair of the Department of Economics and the Laurits R. Christensen Distinguished Chair. “Their work reflects the strength and breadth of economics research at UW–Madison.”
The appointments highlight the department’s continued commitment to supporting faculty whose research advances economic understanding and contributes to academic and public policy conversations worldwide.