Leading Health Economist John Cawley Appointed at Maxwell School

Renowned health economist John Cawley has been appointed as the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Chair in Public Policy at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, effective this fall. Cawley, who previously served at Cornell University, brings a wealth of expertise in health policy and economics, focusing on vital issues such as the impact of taxation on sugary drinks and the effectiveness of health-related regulations.

Cawley’s research examines pressing questions in health economics, including whether taxing soda reduces consumption and if displaying calorie counts influences dining choices. His studies indicate that while taxes on sugary beverages can lower purchases, their effect on overall consumption remains unclear. Additionally, he finds that when calorie information is available, consumers tend to opt for lower-calorie options.

Currently, the study of GLP-1 weight-loss medications is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest potential healthcare cost reductions for individuals with extreme obesity, despite the high price of these drugs. Cawley aims to leverage his research to inform policymakers and fellow academics about these significant health-related issues.

Collaboration and Community at Maxwell

Dean David M. Van Slyke expressed enthusiasm for Cawley’s arrival, highlighting the benefits his expertise will bring to students and faculty. Cawley’s role coincides with the transition of the public health department from the University’s Falk College of Sport to Maxwell, which includes hundreds of students and 14 faculty members whose research aligns with his interests.

Cawley is particularly keen on fostering collaboration within Maxwell’s various research centers, including the Center for Policy Research and the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health. He believes that engaging with people from diverse disciplines enriches research and prevents stagnation in academic thought.

In reflecting on his new title, Cawley expressed his honor in being associated with the legacy of Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Moynihan was a significant figure in U.S. politics and academia, serving as a senator and advisor to various presidents. Cawley admires Moynihan’s commitment to research and policy engagement, stating, “He was a very serious researcher… and I think that’s sort of the gold standard of what we hope for in people in those positions.”

A Distinguished Academic Journey

Cawley arrives at Maxwell after a distinguished career at Cornell, where he began as an assistant professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management in 2001. Most recently, he held a professorship at the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and directed the Cornell in Washington program. His extensive experience also includes co-directing the Institute on Health Economics, Health Behaviors and Disparities from 2011 to 2022.

An alumnus of Harvard University with a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, Cawley has received numerous accolades, including the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and the Kappa Omicron Nu/Human Ecology Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Advising. His research has been widely published in leading journals such as the American Economic Review and the Journal of Health Economics.

Beyond academia, Cawley is active in professional organizations, serving as president-elect of the American Society of Health Economists and participating on the board of directors for the International Health Economics Association. He also previously edited the Journal of Health Economics and has contributed to panels addressing youth obesity.

As he prepares to begin his role at Maxwell, Cawley is excited about teaching a course titled “The Economics and Regulation of Risky Health Behaviors” in spring 2026. This course will explore policies related to topics like the minimum legal drinking age and soda taxes.

Cawley’s connections to Syracuse run deep; he has family ties to the university, including a sister who completed her master’s in public administration at Maxwell. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Orange community, stating, “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the students and faculty.” As he settles into his new role, Cawley is already gearing up for the semester, having secured basketball tickets and taken a photo with the university’s mascot, Otto.