Dr. Mahelet G. Fikru

Professor of Economics, Department of Economics
Affiliated Researcher, Center for Science, Technology and Society

Member, Center for Intelligent Infrastructure
Affiliated Researcher, O’Keefe Critical Minerals Center

Biography

Dr. Mahelet G. Fikru is a full professor in the Department of Economics at Missouri S&T. Her current research focuses on optimizing resource use for energy transition technologies, identifying barriers and drivers of decarbonization, including public perceptions, and evaluating the pivotal role of policies in shaping market outcomes. She is an expert in integrating economic theory with advanced data-driven insights, including machine learning, and simulations. She has published several peer-reviewed journal articles that advance the use of economic theories to address challenges in achieving environmental protection and market efficiency.

In addition to her extensive academic contributions, Dr. Fikru actively seeks collaborations with industry and non-industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and decision-making. She is an associate editor for Energy Reports and a member of the editorial board for Discover Energy.

Research Interests

  • Energy Economics (energy transition, energy efficiency, technology adoption, energy policies, rate design, mineral resources)
  • Environmental Economics (Toxic Release Inventory, ESG, mining, environmental policies)
  • Industrial Organization (merger incentives, merger control policies, market structures)

Education

  • Ph.D., Economics, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  • B.A., Economics, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia