About the Host

Meet Aleks Schaefer

K. Aleks Schaefer, JD PhD, is an agricultural economist and the Director of the Master of International Agriculture Program (MIAP) and Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University, where he oversees an internationally focused graduate program.

He maintains an active research and teaching portfolio focused on international markets, trade, and agricultural policy, with particular emphasis on how domestic and international regulation shapes economic returns to agriculture. He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Schaefer regularly contributes to policy analysis and outreach publications for agricultural audiences, and has appeared in national and international media outlets.

Prior to joining Oklahoma State University, Dr. Schaefer served on the faculty of the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and Michigan State University. He has also held consulting appointments with the World Bank and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Dr. Schaefer earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis, a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law, and undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Spanish from Friends University.

He is an international travel enthusiast who has visited 39 countries (so far), many with his wife, Kasie, and their two daughters, Haven and Ryan. He enjoys performing alongside them in community theater productions.