From Portugal to CMU, Daniel Belchior brings passion for economics and student success

When Daniel Belchior thinks back to where his journey began, it starts in Portugal—with a high school teacher who had a knack for framing economics through its human impact. 

“He was very, very interested in how to make society better off,” said Belchior. “His classes on economics were always with the spin of looking at the implications for society’s well-being. That got me sold. After that it was just economics, economics.” 

His early plan was to use his economics degree to pursue a career in politics for its immediate influence on people’s lives. But once he began college, that vision shifted. “I was introduced to the world of research,” he said. “Wow. OK, now this is definitely more interesting.” 

Belchior eventually decided to pursue his Ph.D. in the United States, accepting a spot at the University of Minnesota because it aligned best with his research interests. His plan at the time was practical—earn a degree at one of the best institutions he could so he could return to Portugal in a stronger position for the job market. 

Over time, his professional focus evolved, and the opportunity at CMU offered exactly what he was looking for—an institution where research, teaching, and student success all carry equal weight. “I felt like CMU would give me the best professional opportunity,” he said. “The department has lots of amazing people, so I think it was the best choice in the end.” 

Belchior’s doctoral research focused on optimal taxation—finding the tax systems that maximize society’s well-being under real-world constraints like labor market frictions. While it’s a niche area, he sees it as deeply important. “At the end of the day, these questions are important precisely because they are normative. I’m essentially asking not why something happens, but how things should look, which I think is very important from a societal perspective.” 

That focus on improving well-being—whether for individuals, communities, or societies—runs through both his research and his teaching. For Belchior, joining the CMU College of Business Administration is about more than teaching courses; it’s about equipping students with tools to create meaningful change. 

“For the master’s students, my main focus is to diminish the frictions that one feels as a first-year Ph.D. student,” he said. “I want to teach them the language that we use in economics—mathematical models—so the transition is as smooth as possible.” 

While his graduate-level courses focus on technical skills, his goals for undergraduates are different but equally ambitious. “I just want them to get excited about economics,” he said. “I want to give them the skills to have political debates, but more importantly, I want them to see how much they can do with the tools we’re going to develop together.” 

Above all, he wants his students to know he is deeply invested in their success.  “I hope my students will come to appreciate how dedicated I am to their learning and that my door will always be open. If office hours don’t work, just send me an email and we’ll figure something out.” 

For Belchior, the motivation to teach at a high level comes from a belief in the positive ripple effects of education. “If I do my job right, I’ll positively impact the student—and the communities they are a part of,” he said. “That’s always been the real kick for me.” 

As he settles into Mount Pleasant, Belchior looks forward to making a difference both inside and outside the classroom. He encourages students to come ready to learn, ask questions, and get excited about what economics can do for them—and for the world.