Dr. Jorge Zumaeta is a distinguished scholar and senior academic administrator whose career spans over three decades in macroeconomics, labor economics, and socio-economic development. He serves as Senior Director at Florida International University and a Senior Research Affiliate at Duke University’s Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity. His work bridges academic research with community-focused economic policy, emphasizing equity, liberty, and workforce development. Known for his exceptional leadership, he has contributed to national policy through high-impact research, strategic planning, and cross-institutional collaborations. Dr. Jorge Zumaeta is committed to preparing future leaders with an ethical and economically informed worldview grounded in classical and modern principles.

Profile:

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Education:

Dr. Jorge Zumaeta holds a Ph.D. in Social Science from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, an M.S. in Economics from Florida Atlantic University, and a B.A. in Economics from the same institution. His academic training combines rigorous theoretical foundations with applied economic methodologies, particularly in labor markets and macroeconomic stability. His doctoral work emphasized the intersection of economic equity and academic access. Throughout his academic path, Dr. Jorge Zumaeta has remained focused on empowering underrepresented communities through education and economic opportunity. His transatlantic education has shaped his global perspective and guided his commitment to equitable development through evidence-based research.

Experience:

With a career rooted in both public and academic sectors, Dr. Jorge Zumaeta has held leadership roles at Florida International University since 2007, managing academic planning, accreditation, and workforce alignment initiatives. He previously worked with Miami-Dade County as a Senior Economic and Policy Analyst, and earlier served as Associate Director at Florida Atlantic University’s employment training institute. His experience spans strategic policy development, econometric research, community redevelopment planning, and fiscal management. He has led national and international presentations, developed economic indicators, and collaborated with federal agencies. His practical insights have directly influenced labor policy, workforce strategies, and institutional effectiveness across various regions.

Research Interest:

Dr. Jorge Zumaeta’s research lies at the nexus of applied macroeconomics, labor market dynamics, and socio-economic equity. His recent studies explore disparities in income, wealth, and incarceration, particularly in minority communities. He utilizes advanced econometric tools to evaluate the impact of job training programs, academic policy interventions, and misinformation in the digital age. A significant portion of his work assesses the socioeconomic effects of institutional structures, aiming to offer policy solutions rooted in academic rigor and equity frameworks. His interdisciplinary focus blends economics, public policy and data science to produce insights that serve both scholarship and real-world transformation.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Jorge Zumaeta’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Fulbright Research Chair, FIU FLAME Award, APEX Award , and High Impact Leadership Award. He was a Top Scholar at FIU and received multiple community engagement recognitions, such as nominations for the SPOT and Community Awards. As a National Science Foundation DITE Fellow and Faculty Mentor, he has mentored emerging economists in diversity-driven research. His strategic involvement with county-level economic councils and chambers reflects his leadership in policy-making and commitment to advancing equitable development through multidisciplinary collaboration.

Publications Top Notes:

Title: Racial Disparities in Family Income, Assets, and Liabilities: A Century After the 1921 Tulsa Massacre
Citations: 3
Year of Publications: 2024

Title: The Incarceration Penalty and Black-White Economic Inequality: The Case of Baltimore
Citations: 1
Years of Publications: 2023

Title: Money Illusion in Charitable Giving in the Absence of Market Price Resistance
Citations: 1
Year of Publications: 2021

Title: A Logistic Regression Analysis to Assist Welfare Recipients Attaining Employment
Citations: 1
Year of Publications: 2021

Title: Meta-Analysis of Seven Standard Experimental Paradigms Comparing Student to Non-student
Citations: 1
Year of Publications: 2021

Conclusion:

Dr. Jorge Zumaeta exemplifies the values of a visionary researcher and public intellectual. His integration of academic inquiry with policy application positions him as a transformative leader in economics and public service. His contributions span publications, federal research initiatives, curriculum development, and community advocacy, making him a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His scholarly impact and unwavering dedication to social equity, economic development, and educational access embody the spirit of excellence and civic responsibility. Recognizing Dr. Zumaeta would honor a career dedicated to uplifting communities through evidence-based research and inclusive education.