Mizzou Economics is fortunate to employ several remote Online Teaching Specialists that offer high quality and convenient online courses.  For example, Shana McDermott regularly teaches graduate courses in Macroeconomic Theory (Econ 8453) and Communication and Presentation Skills for Economists (Econ 8001).

Dr. McDermott has spent nearly two decades in economics, primarily specializing in environmental and resource economics, though her work has taken her in some interesting directions. She has worked on everything from the macroeconomic impacts of invasive species to environmental health risks, energy and utility regulation, and wildfire management. Along the way, she has published over 22 peer-reviewed papers (with more in the pipeline) and served as a journal editor. This means she has spent more time wrestling with economic models and reformatting footnotes than she’d like to admit.

At the core of Dr. McDermott’s work is a belief that complex economic ideas should be accessible and address real-world challenges. That philosophy carries into her teaching, where she has taught everything from introductory courses to PhD-level dynamic optimization. Make sure to ask her about the NABE Certified Business Economics (CBE) certification!

Last year, Shana and her family decided to chase a bit of a Hallmark movie twist and move back to New England to be closer to family. Before that, she was an Associate Professor at Trinity University, but her career has also included consulting on utility regulation, nonprofit leadership, and even a stint as a Red Bull promoter (which explains a lot about her energy levels).  Outside of work, Dr. McDermott enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with her nieces and nephews.