Thanks for visiting my website.

I’m currently a sixth-year PhD candidate at Penn State University, where I’m specializing in Applied Microeconomics, Economics of Education, and Experimental Economics. I will be on the 2025/26 job market. Excited to join both the NABE TEC25 Conference in Seattle and the ASSA 2026 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia!

My Job Market Paper examines strategic interactions and peer learning under competition.

I utilize a range of tools in my research, including innovative data collection through experimental methods, machine learning, and structural estimation. I collaborate with local state entities, schools, and NGOs to ease data collection and project development.

I also founded MTechO, an EdTech Initiative designed to reduce spatial inequalities in educational opportunities through research-based approaches.

Here is my CV. A summary of my projects and experience can be found in my Resume.

PhD Candidate, focused on behavior, incentives, and translating empirical insights into real-world impact.
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Esma Özer

PhD Candidate, Penn State University