Economics Prof. John Cadigan earned his Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University at Bloomington and joined the faculty at Gettysburg College in 2007 after holding academic positions at the United States Naval Academy and American University. He is the winner of the 2005 Gordon Tullock Prize.
Cadigan’s published research uses game theory and experimental methods to study topics including terrorism, eminent domain, urban sprawl, and campaign reform. He serves as co-founder and director of the Gettysburg Lab for Experimental Economics, a distinctive research space for Gettysburg college faculty and students.
Cadigan teaches courses in game theory, experimental economics, advanced econometrics, and a senior seminar in microeconomics. He has been recognized with several teaching awards, including Indiana University’s Lieber Associate Instructor Award, American University’s Department of Public Administration Excellence in Teaching Award, and an outstanding mentor for undergraduate research and creativity award at Gettysburg College. Cadigan’s approach to teaching uses real-life examples and interconnections between theory and practice.
“During my undergraduate years, two or three professors had a profound impact on me, demonstrating the difference dedicated and inspiring teachers can make in students’ lives. Each time I enter the classroom, I try to pay that forward,” he said. “For me, economic analysis—especially data-driven approaches used to test theories and hypotheses about human behavior—is central to understanding the world and our place in it. Helping students discover economic insights, learn how to conduct economic research, and ultimately develop the skills and confidence to teach themselves is the most rewarding part of my work.”
Photo by Miranda Harple
Posted: 03/03/26