Marta Boczoń
Hello! I'm Marta.
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of Pittsburgh. I am a question-driven researcher accustomed to working with large data sets, a variety of statistical software, and a wide range of estimation techniques.
Marta Boczoń
Ph.D. Candidate
Economics Department
University of Pittsburgh
Research Interest:
Applied Econometrics, Statistical Methods and Methodology, Health Economics
Contact Information:
Phone: +1 (412) 577-8949
Email: martaboczon@pitt.edu
RESEARCH
Published Papers:
"Balanced Growth Approach to Tracking Recessions"
(joint with Jean-François Richard), Econometrics 2020, 8(2), 14.
Working Papers:
"Quantifying Uncertainties in Estimates of Income and Wealth Inequality".
Online Supplementary Material, Data and Code
Abstract: We propose a hybrid version of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium models with emphasis on parameter invariance and tracking during economic recessions. We interpret hypothetical balanced growth ratios as moving targets for economic agents, that rely upon an Error Correction Mechanism to adjust to changes in target ratios driven by an underlying state Vector AutoRegressive process. Our proposal is illustrated by an application to a pilot Real Business Cycle model for the US economy from 1948 to 2019. Using an extensive recursive validation exercise, we highlight the model’s parameters invariance, tracking, and 1 to 3 step ahead forecasting performance.
"Goals, Constraints, and Transparent Assignment: A Field Study of the UEFA Champions League"
(joint with Alistair J. Wilson), Revise and Resubmit at Management Science.
Abstract: I measure the uncertainty affecting estimates of economic inequality and investigate how accounting for the properly estimated standard errors can affect the results of empirical and structural macroeconomic studies. In my analysis, I rely upon two data sets: The Survey of Consumer Finances---a triennial survey of household financial condition, and the Public Use File---an annual sample of individual income tax returns. I demonstrate that ignoring uncertainties in estimated wealth and income shares can lead to statistically imprecise conclusions about the past and current state of the economy and, thereby, lead to inaccurate predictions and ineffective policy recommendations.
Abstract: We analyze a matching mechanism developed to solve a complex constrained assignment problem for one of the most successful pan-European ventures: the UEFA Champions League. Relying upon a combination of theory, structural estimation, and simulation, we outline a quantitative methodology aimed at assessing a highly transparent (but combinatorically complex) tournament’s assignment procedure. Our analysis indicates that the UEFA mechanism is effectively a “constrained-best” in terms of pairwise independence. Moreover, we find that while substantially better mechanisms do not exist given the current constraint structure, matching distortions can be substantially reduced by only marginally relaxing the currently imposed constraint set.
"Semiparametric Estimation of the Relationship between Recessions and Health,"
Revise and Resubmit at Economics and Human Biology.
Abstract: I identify and address several shortcomings of the existing and widely applied approach in studying the effects of business cycles on population health. In contrast to the existing literature, I allow for the relationship in question to be nonlinear by relying upon semiparametric estimation techniques. Moreover, I proxy for the state of the economy by analyzing both average economic conditions, as well as the observed variability in growth cycles. While my initial results complement rather than contradict those in the literature, they provide a novel and much needed reconsideration of how to correctly analyze the relationship between economic recessions and/or expansions and health.
Description: I identify different sources of measurement error that may arise in the survey response process for the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). Moreover, I intend to estimate the magnitude of the SCF measurement error with the aim of producing better estimates of standard errors for a large class of point estimates, including that of wealth and income shares.
Works in Progress:
"Estimating Measurement Error in the Survey of Consumer Finances"
TEACHING
Undergraduate Courses:
Economic Data Analysis
Main Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, Summer 2019.
Applied Econometrics
Main Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, Summer 2018.
Advanced Statistics
Teaching Assistant, Free University of Berlin, Germany, Fall 2014.
Statistics
Teaching Assistant, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Germany, Spring 2013.
"Tracking the recession triggered by COVID-19 recession" (joint with Jean-François Richard)
Description: We use the methodology introduced in our joint paper “Balanced Growth Approach to Tracking Recessions” to track the most recent recession triggered by COVID-19. In addition, we intend to propose policy measures aimed at ameliorating the current economic downturn.
Marta Boczoń
Ph.D. Candidate in Economics
Phone:
+1 (412) 577-8949
Email:
Address:
Department of Economics
University of Pittsburgh
4918 W. W. Posvar Hall, 230 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA