I received my PhD in Economics from McMaster University in 2017 and my MA in Economics from Queen’s University in 2010.

My primary research specialization is in applied microeconomic theory, with a focus on public and labour economics, and political economy of policymaking. My thesis explored theoretical mechanisms and empirical effects of lobbying on setting the minimum wage and small business tax, as well as income inequality outcomes.

Currently, I am engaged in research about tax policy with Professor Seungjin Han. Using a unique data set from Ontario, we are investigating the purpose of a differential excise tax rates policy and the impact it has across the income distribution. I am also engaged in research on the effects of small business taxation driven income shifting and tax avoidance activities.

I am willing to supervise students in the areas of public, political and labour economics.

• Lesica, J. (2017), “Income Inequality, Small-Business Taxation and Lobbying” - in submission
• Lesica, J. (2017), “Minimum Wage Lobbying” - R&R at Economic Inquiry

Work in Progress

• Han S. and J. Lesica, (2016) “Analysis of Differential Excise Taxes: The Unique Case of Beer in Ontario”
• Yip, T. and J. Lesica (2016) “Development in Times Polarization”
• Lesica, J. (2016) “Costly Endogenous Lobbying”