An economist who combines theory and empirics, Alexander MacKay studies how equilibrium prices and markups are influenced by algorithms, long-term contracts and vertical restraints. He also studies dynamic consumer behaviors and their impacts in various contexts, including mergers, the adoption of new technologies and longer-run sectoral shifts. 

His research considers the broader implications for firms and antitrust authorities. His paper, “Rising Markups and the Role of Consumer Preferences,” was awarded the Robert F. Lanzillotti Prize for Best Paper in Antitrust Economics, and his academic papers have been cited by The New York Times, the Financial Times, TIME Magazine, National Public Radio and the Economic Report of the President.

MacKay holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in economics from the University of Virginia. Following his Ph.D., he was a postdoctoral fellow for one year at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. He joins UVA from the faculty of Harvard Business School where he was an associate professor of business administration. 

This year, MacKay will continue research related to pricing algorithms, vertical integration and markups. As an associate professor of economics, he plans to teach classes on topics such as microeconomics, industrial organization and applied econometrics. He will teach “Principles of Microeconomics” this fall.