Welcome to the Steinbach Research Group
We conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary research at the crossroad between applied economics and data science. We study issues involving agribusinesses, international trade and policy, health, and the environment.
Overview
We use modern statistical methods and big economic data to investigate the drivers and assess the domestic and foreign consequences of international trade and investment. Our thorough research provides policymakers and firms new insights into highly relevant global trade and investment policy issues.
We use advanced economic models and establishment-level business information to study the conduct and performance of firms operating in the agricultural and food industry.
We work on questions related to environmental pollutants, human and animal health, and invasive species. Our research uses causal inference methods to assess the impact of environmental contaminants such as air pollution, pesticides, plant pollen, and wildfires on human well-being. We use novel data and innovative statistical techniques to investigate the mental health crisis's causes and (unintended) side effects. We also work on questions related to the management of animal diseases and public health.
Please explore our publications and project sites to learn more about our research activities.
Recent Publications
The Impact of Maritime Shipping Disruptions on U.S. Tree Nut Exports and Inventories, with Xiting Zhuang, Agribusiness [Paper]
The Russia-Ukraine War and Global Trade Reallocations, Economics Letters [Paper]
The Impact of COVID-19 Trade Measures on Agricultural and Food Trade, with Soojung Ahn, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy [Paper]
Exchange Rate Volatility and Global Food Supply Chains, Chapter in Risks in Agricultural Supply Chains [Paper]
Selected Working Papers
Dollar Store Expansion, Food Retail Competition, and Rural Employment, with Rigoberto Lopez and Keenan Marchesi [Paper]
The Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Agricultural and Food Trade, with Colin A. Carter, NBER Working Paper [Paper]
Pre-Trends and Trade Effects of Temporary Trade Barriers, with Armen Khederlarian, FREIT Working Paper [Paper]
Agricultural Commodity Markets in the Wake of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, with Raghav Goyal [Paper]
News
Conference Talk (May 2023)
Dr. Steinbach gave a talk on inequities in the food system at the Conference on Economics of Inequity in Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Systems in Minneapolis, MN. Learn More.
Refereed Publication (May 2023)
A paper with Xiting Zhuang on the impact of retaliatory tariffs and container shipping disruptions on California's almond industry has been accepted by Choices. Learn More.
NIFA Award (April 2023)
Dr. Steinbach received a NIFA award with collaborators from the University of Tennessee and Louisiana State University to investigate the implications of the Russia-Ukraine war. Â Learn More.
New Working Paper (April 2023)
A new working paper with Colin A. Carter on the commodity market implications of the Russia-Ukraine war is available. We study herding in corn and wheat markets. Learn More.