Melissa Rubio-Ramos

I am a postdoctoral researcher in Economics at the University of Cologne.  Member of the ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy Cluster of Excellence, and CESifo Research Network. I obtained my PhD in Economics from University of Gothenburg, Sweden. 

The motivating factor for my research agenda is not only the scientific interest for understanding how individuals are affected by institutions, but it is also inspired by social injustice. My research focuses on labor and development economics with interest on economic history. Specifically, I study the legacy of institutions that are potentially harmful for social and economic development. These institutions include slavery in the United States and (and its abolition), and conflict in developing countries.  These research questions are relevant both in modern day developing and, from an economic history perspective, developed countries. Other common themes that run through my dissertation work rely on detailed micro-level data and quasi-experimental research designs to investigate discrimination in the justice system and housing markets towards minorites.