Wenfei Gong

Welcome! 

I am an economics researcher specializing in International Economics, Econometrics and Conflict Economics.  I received a Ph.D. in Economics from University of Alberta, M.A. in Economics from McGill University, and a B.A. in Economics from University of Ottawa. My academic background focuses on quantitative economic analysis, econometric modeling, and international economic policy. 

My area of specialization is International Economics and its intersections with Conflict Economics, International Trade, and Applied Econometrics. My research uses panel data econometrics and causal inference methods to study the economic impacts of sanctions, geopolitical conflicts, and international trade disruptions. In particular, I am interested in understanding how conflicts and policy shocks affect GDP, trade flows, capital movements, and broader patterns of global economic interdependence. 

Here is a brief interview with the University of Alberta in Department of Economics, where I share my passion for research and my life experiences.

Recent Updates

Call for Papers & Conferences Organized

• Jun 2026 – Organizing Committee, Canadian Economic Association (CEA) Annual Conference.

• Sep 2025 – Program Committee, Canadian Macroeconomics Study Group (CMSG) Meeting.

• Sep 2025 – Organizer, Workshop on Geopolitics and International Trade — University of Alberta.

Research & Grants

• May 2026 – I have been awarded the SSHRC Connection Grant (Co-PI) from the Government of Canada & University of Alberta.

• May 2026 – I have been awarded the Graduate Doctoral Fellowship from the University of Alberta.

• 2026 – "The Economic Impact of Sanctions on GDP and Trade" (with A. Smith and J. Lee), Revise & Resubmit at Journal of International Economics.

• 2026 – "Geopolitical Conflicts and Global Economic Interdependence" (with D. Park and Y. Zhang), Revise & Resubmit at World Economy.

• 2025 – "The Long-run Effects of Economic Sanctions on Developing Economies" (with Y. Liu), Forthcoming at Economic Modelling.

Conferences and Seminars (* by coauthor)

• 2026 – Academy of International Business Annual Meeting (Manchester).

• 2026 – Canadian Economic Association (CEA) Annual Meeting (Vancouver).

• 2026 – Rocky Mountain Empirical Trade Conference (Banff).

• 2026 – Canadian Macroeconomics Study Group (U Alberta).

• 2026 – Invited Seminar: University of Alberta.

• 2026 – Invited Seminar: University of Calgary.

• 2025 – InsTED (University of Alberta).

• 2025 – Canadian Economic Association (CEA) Meeting (UQAM).

• 2025 – Midwest International Trade Conference (Michigan State).

• 2025 – Queen's Workshop on Firms and Inclusive Economic Growth.

• 2025 – McGill Economics Alumni Workshop.

• 2025 – Invited Seminar: University of Winnipeg.

• 2025 – Invited Seminar: Carleton University.

• 2025 – Invited Seminar: Bank of Canada.