Chrystol Thomas-Winston, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist with experience in community economic development, has a new role in Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics.
Thomas-Winston, now an assistant professor and AgriLife Extension specialist, has a wide array of expertise in real estate and resource valuation, finance, macroeconomics and agricultural policy. Previously, she was an instructional assistant professor in the department.
“Dr. Thomas-Winston is an experienced applied economist with responsibilities for developing, implementing and evaluating programs aimed at strengthening challenged communities,” said Rudy Nayga, Ph.D., head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, College Station.
Nayga said her expertise will be important in assessing the economic status and needs of various communities throughout the state.
“My research and programs focus on financial literacy and planning, food security, development of local markets and impact analysis,” Thomas-Winston said. “I believe my expertise and research can benefit the department by bringing awareness of the department’s activities and contributions to fostering community engagement and support for economic development efforts.”
Education and previous experience
Thomas-Winston earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of the West Indies, and her doctorate in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University.
Her prior academic experience includes serving as a graduate research assistant working in collaboration with Texas A&M’s Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Project.
Her non-academic professional experience includes work as an economist at the Inter-American Development Bank and the Central Bank of Barbados.
Thomas-Winston’s economics-related publications and affiliations
Thomas-Winston’s work has been published in various journals, including International Journal of Technology Management, International Research Journal of Finance and Economics, International Journal of Development Issues, Energy Policy and The Journal of Public Sector Policy Analysis. She has also contributed to numerous bulletins and policy briefs.
Her professional affiliations include the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, where she currently serves as the chair-elect for the Committee on the Opportunities and Status of Blacks in Agricultural Economics section and sits on its Access Task Force Committee. She is also involved in various programs and committees in conjunction with the Department of Agricultural Economics. Further affiliations include Lions Clubs International, Barbados Economic Society and Young Economist Association-Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies.
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