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Serra Kirsch

Research Analyst

For media inquiries, please contact cinamon@csinstituteus.org

Serra recently earned a Master of Science in Economics from Portland State University, where she specialized in empirical macroeconomics and international finance. Before that, she spent two years conducting research in health economics, focusing on the impact of tobacco control policies. She completed her undergraduate education in Industrial Engineering and Economics in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Growing up in Istanbul, she developed a strong interest in working on emerging market economies. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and scuba diving. 

Expert's Work
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Jobs & Our Economy
Portland’s Thanksgiving Dinner Cost

Thanksgiving Dinner is cheaper this year, with the Farm Bureau estimating the national cost at $55.18—a 5% drop driven by lower prices for key items like turkey, stuffing, dinner rolls, and cranberries. Por

November 25, 2025 Serra KirschThomas Young
Jobs & Our Economy
All’s Well That Ends Well: What Oregon Gives Thanks for This Year

Oregon closes out the year with several encouraging trends, including rising real incomes, falling poverty, a calmer wildfire season, and modest housing-supply progress. Together, these improvements highlig

November 25, 2025 Serra KirschMark McMullen
Workforce
Childcare in Oregon: An Economic Opportunity with Wide Implications

Oregon families face some of the highest child care costs in the nation, with infant care averaging over $14,000 a year and consuming up to 23% of household income in some counties. At the same time, limite

Jobs & Our Economy
Inflation in the Pacific Region - September 2025

Inflation in the Pacific region rose 3.5% year-over-year in September 2025, outpacing the national average of 3%, driven by higher prices in medical care, energy, transportation, and services. The Federal R

October 24, 2025 Serra KirschMark McMullen