Cael is an applied economist who brings curiosity, creativity, and a strong problem-solving mindset to complex social and economic questions. He designs and implements research that helps organizations understand the real-world impact of their programs and improve outcomes for the communities they serve. He joined Wilder in 2011.
Cael specializes in tailoring study designs, data collection strategies, and quantitative and economic methods to meet the unique needs and constraints of each project. He has deep experience in social return on investment, cost-benefit, and economic impact studies, and contributes core analytical leadership to the long-term evaluation and data analysis for the Northside Achievement Zone, a cradle-to-career initiative in North Minneapolis. His recent and ongoing work includes assessing the benefits of supportive programs for people experiencing homelessness, alongside broader expertise in housing, environmental issues, food insecurity, and sustainable agriculture.
Much of Cael’s work focuses on finding practical and creative ways to bring together the necessary data to answer a question or solve a problem, often building complex datasets to clarify patterns and reveal new insights. His analyses help clients make sense of messy information and turn it into findings they can use.
Cael holds a doctoral degree in applied economics with a focus on natural resources and environmental economics from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in economics and environmental studies from Macalester College.
Outside of work, he enjoys designing tools and systems, whether for analyzing data, improving workflows, or tending to his forested homestead in northern Minnesota.
items marked with an * are required
