Maria Casanova’s educational goals took her across Europe to Southern California, where she first taught at UCLA for eight years before joining the Economics Department at Cal State Fullerton last fall.
She has focused her research and teaching in the fields of labor economics and applied econometrics, and has co-authored publications related to work and retirement, Social Security benefits and retirement behavior in couples.
Casanova earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from University Carlos III and master of science degree in economics and finance from Centro de Estudios Monetarios y Financieros, an institution created by the Bank of Spain in 1987 with the aim of developing graduate education and research in economics. She furthered her education with a master’s of philosophy in economics and a doctorate in economics from University College London.
Why did you pursue the opportunity to join Cal State Fullerton?
I was attracted by the joint emphasis on teaching and research, because I love both.
What do you most look forward to now that you’re here?
Growing as a teacher and a researcher through my interactions with my students and the outstanding faculty at the Department of Economics.
What areas of continued scholarship and research are of particular interest to you?
I am interested in the study of aging and retirement. My research focuses on topics such as the determinants of retirement decisions — with an emphasis of the role of Social Security — how spouses coordinate their retirement dates, the cost of retirement uncertainty and saving decisions in the years before retirement.
What are some of your outside activities, hobbies or interests?
I like swimming, reading and, above all, playing with my daughter.