Professor Hayley Chouinard’s research covers a broad range of topics ranging from consumer choices to the use of natural resources. Now, she brings that diverse research portfolio to Colorado State University, as the new head of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics[1]. Chouinard began her new role CSU on July 1, coming to Fort Collins after spending more than 15 years as a faculty member at Washington State University. She earned her Ph.D. in agricultural and resource economics from the University of California at Berkeley as well as an M.S. in applied economics and a B.S. in business, both from Montana State University.

Consumer demand, impact of nutrition information

Chouinard’s research focuses on the consumer demand for food products, the impact of nutrition information on consumer food choices and health outcomes, natural resource use, and gaining access to natural resources. A prolific author, her many publications have covered topics such as the influence of packing size on consumer decisions and the impact of gasoline price differences on taxes and pollution. She serves as associate editor of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and served as co-editor of the Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

“I am thrilled to join the CSU Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics,” said Chouinard. “Our faculty members have a long history of outstanding research, teaching and outreach activities.  Their ability to address issues of significant value to Colorado and their thoughtful interactions with stakeholders and students impresses me greatly.  It is very exciting to look to the future with this group of faculty, staff and students.”

Accomplishments in research, teaching and engagement

“We are excited to have Professor Chouinard join the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, said Ajay Menon, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences[2]. “Her outstanding record of accomplishments in leading research, teaching and engagement in applied economics shows that she is a fundamentally well suited in stewarding the department, developing its vision and achieving its goals and objectives in pursuit of global preeminence in the safety and security of food and the sustainability of agricultural and natural resource systems.”