J. R. DeShazo

J. R. DeShazo is an American scholar and academic administrator specializing in environmental policy, public finance, and energy economics. He serves as the Vice Chancellor for Public Policy and Director of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles. His research and leadership have significantly influenced California's policies on renewable energy, climate change, and sustainable infrastructure.

Early life and education

DeShazo completed his undergraduate studies in political science and economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Arts. He then pursued graduate education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned both a Master of Public Policy and a Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Resource Economics. His doctoral dissertation focused on the economics of solid waste management and recycling policies, establishing an early foundation in applied environmental economics.

Academic career

DeShazo began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles in the early 2000s, joining the faculty of the then-UCLA School of Public Affairs. He rose through the ranks to become a full professor, holding appointments in the Department of Public Policy and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. His teaching has centered on cost-benefit analysis, environmental economics, and public policy design, mentoring numerous students who have gone on to careers in state government and nonprofit organizations.

Research and policy work

DeShazo's research portfolio is extensive, focusing on the design and evaluation of market-based environmental policies. He has conducted pivotal studies on the adoption of solar energy and electric vehicles, the effectiveness of the California Solar Initiative, and the equity implications of climate change mitigation programs. His work has been funded by agencies including the National Science Foundation, the California Energy Commission, and the U.S. Department of Energy. He has provided expert testimony before the California State Legislature and advised the Governor of California's office on clean energy financing.

Leadership and administrative roles

In 2015, DeShazo was appointed Director of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, following a major naming gift from Meyer Luskin and Renee Luskin. As Director and later Vice Chancellor, he oversaw the school's three academic departments: Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning. He led initiatives to expand the school's research impact, including establishing the Luskin Center for Innovation and deepening partnerships with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City of Los Angeles. His leadership emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration across UCLA, particularly with the Anderson School of Management and the School of Law.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, DeShazo has received significant recognition for his scholarship and service. He is a recipient of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management's "Best Dissertation Award". His research papers have been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, and Science. In 2020, he was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration in recognition of his contributions to improving public policy and administration.

Category:American economists Category:University of California, Los Angeles faculty Category:Environmental policy academics