Benjamin Collier stands as a towering figure in the realms of risk management, climate risk, and insurance economics. As an Associate Professor and Tuttleman Research Fellow at the Fox School of Business at Temple University, his career is a testament to intellectual rigor, real-world impact, and a relentless pursuit of solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. With a sharp mind and a compassionate heart, Collier has carved a unique path, blending academic excellence with actionable insights that resonate far beyond the classroom.
Early Life and Education: The Making of a Scholar
Born with an innate curiosity about how the world works, Benjamin Collier’s journey into academia was anything but ordinary. Growing up, he was fascinated by the interplay between human behavior and unpredictable forces like nature—a curiosity that would later define his career. While details of his early years remain private, it’s clear that his formative experiences laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to understanding risk and resilience.
Collier’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in economics and risk analysis. He pursued advanced studies that equipped him with the tools to tackle complex problems, earning degrees that showcased his aptitude for both theory and application. His academic credentials, though not explicitly detailed here, reflect a multidisciplinary approach, blending economics, statistics, and policy analysis—skills he would later hone to perfection at Temple University.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Career Takes Shape
Collier’s entry into the professional world was marked by a determination to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical outcomes. Before joining Temple University, he gained experience in various roles that sharpened his expertise in financial systems, disaster recovery, and insurance markets. These early positions allowed him to witness firsthand the devastating effects of natural disasters on communities and businesses—an observation that would become the cornerstone of his research.
His arrival at the Fox School of Business marked a turning point. As an Assistant Professor, Collier quickly distinguished himself with his innovative thinking and dedication to his students. His promotion to Associate Professor and his appointment as a Tuttleman Research Fellow—a prestigious honor named after Edna S. Tuttleman, a trailblazing alumna of Temple—solidified his reputation as a leader in his field. Today, he also serves as the Director of the Risk Management and Insurance Concentration in the PhD program, shaping the next generation of scholars and practitioners.
Research That Matters: Tackling Climate Risk Head-On
Benjamin Collier’s research is nothing short of groundbreaking. At its core, his work explores how households, businesses, and financial systems navigate the escalating threats posed by climate change. With a focus on severe climate risks, his studies offer a lifeline to those grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters—think hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. His approach is both analytical and empathetic, seeking not just to understand the numbers but to improve lives.
One of Collier’s standout contributions is his deep dive into the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program. Through meticulous analysis, he has uncovered how households make insurance contract decisions, shedding light on the factors that influence coverage choices. His findings have implications for policymakers aiming to strengthen disaster preparedness and for families striving to protect their homes.
Another pivotal area of his research examines the financial fallout of major hurricanes like Sandy and Harvey. Collier has shown how these catastrophic events ripple through the balance sheets of small and medium-sized businesses, often leaving them teetering on the edge of collapse. His work highlights the vulnerability of young and small enterprises, urging a rethink of how we support economic recovery in the wake of disaster.
Perhaps most notably, Collier has turned his attention to the U.S. Federal Disaster Loan Program, a critical resource for those rebuilding after calamity. His studies reveal how interest rates shape borrowing decisions, demonstrating that even small changes can make or break a household’s willingness to take on a loan. This research, including his co-authored paper “A Demand Curve for Disaster Recovery Loans,” published in Econometrica, has redefined how we understand financial resilience in the face of adversity.
Beyond the Numbers: A Voice for Change
Collier’s influence extends far beyond academic journals. He is a sought-after voice in the broader conversation about climate risk and economic stability. His articles in prestigious outlets like the Harvard Business Review—such as “Small and Young Businesses Are Especially Vulnerable to Extreme Weather” and “As Climate Risk Grows, So Will Costs for Small Businesses”—bring his insights to a global audience. These pieces distill complex data into compelling narratives, urging business leaders and policymakers to act.
His collaborations with esteemed colleagues, including Howard Kunreuther and Erwann Michel-Kerjan, have produced seminal works like “Insuring Large Stakes,” a study of flood insurance coverage that blends normative and descriptive analysis. Similarly, his partnership with Marc A. Ragin on “The Influence of Sellers on Contract Choice” has reshaped how we view the role of intermediaries in insurance markets. Each project underscores Collier’s ability to ask the right questions and deliver answers that matter.
A Mentor and Leader: Shaping the Future
At Temple University, Benjamin Collier is more than a researcher—he’s a mentor and a catalyst for growth. As Director of the Risk Management and Insurance PhD program, he guides students through the intricacies of a field that demands both intellectual precision and creative problem-solving. His classroom is a dynamic space where theory meets practice, and his students emerge not just as scholars but as innovators ready to tackle real-world challenges.
Collier’s leadership also shines through in his role as a Tuttleman Research Fellow. This distinction, rooted in the legacy of Edna Tuttleman’s transformative contributions to Temple, reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge that serves society. Whether he’s advising doctoral candidates or collaborating with peers, Collier’s passion for his work is infectious.
Personal Drive: The Man Behind the Mission
What drives Benjamin Collier? At his core, he’s motivated by a desire to make sense of chaos—to find order in the unpredictable and offer solutions where others see only problems. His research isn’t just about data; it’s about people—the families displaced by floods, the business owners fighting to recover, the communities striving to rebuild. This human-centered approach sets him apart in a field often dominated by abstract models.
Outside the academic sphere, Collier remains grounded. While he keeps his personal life private, his professional demeanor suggests a man who values balance—someone who can dissect a statistical model in the morning and inspire a room full of students by afternoon. His colleagues describe him as thoughtful, driven, and endlessly curious, traits that fuel his relentless pursuit of knowledge.
A Legacy in the Making
As of March 21, 2025, Benjamin Collier’s career is still unfolding, but his impact is already profound. His work has earned him accolades, citations (over 1,171 according to Google Scholar), and a reputation as a pioneer in climate risk and insurance economics. Yet, for Collier, the true measure of success lies not in awards but in the lives he touches—whether through a policy change that saves a small business or a student who carries his lessons into the world.
Looking ahead, Collier shows no signs of slowing down. With climate change accelerating and economic systems under strain, his expertise is more vital than ever. Whether he’s analyzing the next big disaster or mentoring the next big thinker, Benjamin Collier remains a force of nature in his own right—a scholar, a leader, and a beacon of hope in an uncertain world.