Richard Adams
Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University. Ph.D. 1975
I first encountered the subject of agricultural economics during my junior year at UCD when, as a resource management undergraduate, I was required to take several AGEc courses. The practicality of the material and its relation to real world issues impressed me, as did the quality of the instruction from faculty such as Gerry Dean, Charlie Moore and Alex McCalla. Several years later, I enrolled in the Ag. Econ graduate program and again benefited from an excellent faculty, both in terms of classroom instruction as well as mentoring from Gerry Dean and Warren Johnston on how to conceptualize and conduct research. Although my original intention was to pursue a Master's degree, my growing interest in applied economics, coupled with wise council from the avuncular Ben French, convinced me of the benefits of the Ph.D. It is a decision I have never regretted.
My first academic position in 1975 at the University of Wyoming occurred at the time the sub-discipline of Environmental Economics – led by Ralph d'Arge and Tom Crocker, among others – was on the rise. With substantial funding from US EPA, we embarked on a series of studies on the economics of air pollution control. My UCD training laid a strong foundation for my professional success; the solid base that I had cultivated in theory and methods, particularly operations research, enabled me to successfully complete several research projects (and publications).
In 1982, I accepted a position at Oregon State University, where I continued conducting research on air pollution economics, along with acidic deposition and climate change research, again with funding from the EPA. Funding from NOAA enabled me to spend a decade assessing the value of information related to weather and climate phenomena. Oregon also provided a great venue to pursue research on water resource management and fisheries. As an avid fly fisherman, I attach both personal and professional significance to these issues, and I have been fortunate to combine them in my career. (See the following hyper link for documentation of the personal importance of fish and water.)
Over the years, I have had the good fortune to be recognized for my research on environmental and resource issues, including AAEA Fellow in 2001, and numerous awards for scholarship and policy contributions. I have had the opportunity to serve in editorship roles, including the AJAE. I have also had the opportunity to serve on numerous government panels, boards, and advisory committees convened to address real world resource and environmental challenges. I believe that such service has played a role in improved public decision making.
In summary, my education in AREC at UCD opened many doors. I remain grateful to the department and the university for enabling me to pursue an enriching and fulfilling career.
Select Awards and Accolades
Outstanding Journal Article, Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
AAEA Publication of Enduring Quality Award
Outstanding Journal Article, Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics
Editor, American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence, Texas A&M University
Outstanding Journal Article, Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Fellow, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
USEPA Award for Research Excellence
Weblinks and More Information