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Prof. Kaplan’s research focuses on water resources issues of particular concern to California. Most recently he completed a project for the State Water Resources Board examining the effect of increasing salinity levels on animal agriculture in the Central Valley. He has also recently finished a study investigating the value of options in potential water markets in California. This study used a computer laboratory experiment to compare alternative water market structures and institutions to determine if water options improve market efficiency and the distribution of gains from trade. Prof. Kaplan is also currently collaborating with Prof. Stephan Kroll, at Colorado State University, and Nick Janusch, graduate student in the economics department, on an experiment evaluating the role information and responsive pricing play in correcting a congestible good. This work focuses on the congestion arising from commuter parking uncertainty and hopes to shed light on the effectiveness of parking policies recently adopted in many urban areas throughout California and the United States.
Prof. Kaplan has also recently taken on new department responsibilities. This semester he began serving as the department’s graduate coordinator. This work will allow him the opportunity to foster a unique educational experience for our graduate students and to further collaborate with them on problems of importance to the people of California.