Juan Alcacer, PhD

The University of Michigan is known for its interdisciplinary focus and a breadth of excellence across academic subjects. While he was studying strategy as a Michigan Ross PhD student, Juan Alcacer took full advantage of the resources at both Ross and the broader university.

The program provides a unique opportunity to interact with world-class faculty from different backgrounds and pursue your passion to do research, all within a great place where balance between life and work is excellent

“I chose Michigan because of the strong research culture, faculty who were working on topics close to my personal interests, and the possibility to tap into the deep pool of talent at the business school and the university,” he says. “I think Michigan is a unique program due to its interdisciplinary character. Taking classes in the economics department, law school, engineering school, public policy school, and political science department was very natural. It was common for faculty from all the schools and departments to share their research regardless of disciplinary boundaries.”

“I was also lucky to be at Michigan when the William Davidson Institute was created,” he continues. “The institute gave me the unique opportunity to work with scholars from all over the world on topics related to economics and business in emerging economies.”

Today, Alcacer is a popular and distinguished full professor at Harvard Business School and is well known as a leading empirical researcher. He’s quick to credit the preparation he gained at Michigan Ross.

“The faculty were interested in developing students who reach their maximum potential as scholars and individuals,” Alcacer says. “Michigan not only provided a caring environment where I could learn different topics such as economics, strategy and econometrics — it also gave me the chance to interact with faculty who exemplified the meaning of being a true scholar committed to the highest ethical standards. Finally, it allowed me to develop my teaching skills with a group of bright and eager students.

“The program provides a unique opportunity to interact with world-class faculty from different backgrounds and pursue your passion to do research, all within a great place where balance between life and work is excellent,” he says. “Fall in Ann Arbor is spectacular. The energy when a new school year starts — with students, faculty, and staff coming from all over the world — is fantastic.”