Hisham Foad, Ph.D.

Welcome to my homepage! I am an associate professor in the economics department at San Diego State University. I also served as the economics department chair from Fall 2018-Summer 2023. Beginning in Fall 2023, I will be starting a new role as the Fred J. Hansen chair in world peace at SDSU. In this position, I will be organizing a lecture series and research working groups looking at the intersections between climate change, migration, and conflict. 

My research focuses broadly on the economic significance of national borders and in particular on the economics of immigration. Recent research on the topic has explored the effects of immigration policies such as the construction of the US-Mexico border wall and the implementation and subsequent removal of birthright citizenship in Ireland. I am also working on a book on the very broadly defined pros and cons of immigrant enclaves. 

I love to teach and am constantly updating my courses. I have taught everything from 500 seat econ principles courses to our graduate research methods capstone course. Some of my most recent courses are on the Economics of the Middle East, Economics of Immigration, Inequality and Health Economics.

I am also enjoy woodworking, though I've still got a lot to learn. I've included some pictures and stories of some of my favorite projects.