Dr Josh Merfeld

Dr Josh Merfeld is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Economics at The University of Queensland. His research interests include development, applied microeconometrics, agriculture, poverty, and the environment. He focuses on using new data sources and empirical methods to improve understanding of outcomes, particularly related to the SDGs. His current work examines labor allocation, poverty, and methodologies to enhance estimates of economic statistics in developing countries. Dr Merfeld also engages in capacity building with the United Nations Statistics Division and the World Bank to improve small area estimation practices globally.

Joshua D. Merfeld is a researcher at the University of Queensland with expertise in Development, Econometrics, Poverty, and Machine Learning. His work focuses on understanding poverty dynamics, labor market outcomes, and the impact of public policies in developing countries. Merfeld employs econometric methods and machine learning to analyze large datasets, often integrating geospatial data to improve estimates of poverty and inequality. His research spans topics such as seasonal hunger, nonfarm self-employment, and the effects of social safety nets on vulnerable populations, particularly girls. He has also explored structural transformation, labor elasticities, and the role of technology in improving economic outcomes in rural areas.