Research

Research at the Real Estate Center

The Texas Real Estate Center at McCombs supports applied and interdisciplinary research that addresses today’s most pressing challenges in real estate, finance, development, and the built environment. Our faculty engage in research that connects theory with practice and informs both industry and policy.

Featured Research: Economic Outlook with Julia Coronado, Ph.D.

Julia Coronado, Clinical Associate Professor of Finance and President of MacroPolicy Perspectives, provides expert insights on macroeconomic trends that impact the real estate market.

Recent Highlights:

Spring 2025 –Economic Outlook: Buckle Up Buttercup – Julia Coronado, Ph.D.

Spring 2024 –Julia Coronado Economic Outlook: The Soft Landing Continues

Fall 2024 –Julia Coronado: Post Election Outlook

Ben Friedman Endowed Excellence Fund in Real Estate

The Ben Friedman Endowed Excellence Fund in Real Estate supports the Real Estate Interdisciplinary Research Initiative at the McCombs School of Business. This initiative promotes collaborative research across real estate, finance, law, design, and planning, advancing innovation in capital markets, development, and the built environment.

We are grateful to Ben Friedman, a dedicated UT supporter and Longhorn parent, for his vision and generosity in making this work possible.

Friedman Faculty Fellows

The following faculty members have been recognized as Friedman Fellows for their interdisciplinary research and teaching contributions:

Kara M. Kockelman, Ph.D., P.E. – Dewitt C. Greer Centennial Professor, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering

Kara M. Kockelman, Ph.D., P.E. – Dewitt C. Greer Centennial Professor, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering

Renowned transportation engineer with expertise in shared mobility, congestion pricing, urban systems, and electric vehicles.

Martin J. Luby, Associate Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Martin J. Luby, Associate Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Specializes in public finance and municipal securities markets. His research focuses on state and local government debt management and the structuring of municipal capital.

Juan Miro, FAIA, LEED AP – Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean, School of Architecture

Internationally recognized architect and educator. Leads Studio Mexico, focusing on architecture’s civic role and Mexican architectural history. Founder of Miró Rivera Architects.

Steven Pedigo, Assistant Dean for Faculty and Director, LBJ Urban Lab, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Expert in urban economic development, regional cooperation, placemaking, and housing policy. Directed projects for over 50 cities and previously served as director of the NYU Urban Lab.

William J. O'Brien, Ph.D. – Professor, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering

William J. O'Brien, Ph.D. – Professor, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering

Focused on construction engineering, project management, production systems, and computer-integrated construction. Holds degrees from Stanford and Columbia.

Andrew R. Waxman, Assistant Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs

Andrew R. Waxman, Assistant Professor, LBJ School of Public Affairs

An applied microeconomist studying environmental outcomes, urban policies, inequality, and how location decisions affect emissions and transportation.

Jake Wegmann, Associate Professor, School of Architecture (Community and Regional Planning)

Researches housing affordability, land use regulation, and real estate development. His work includes studies on affordable housing in cities like Denver and San Francisco, combining planning and practical development insight.

Jake Wegmann, Associate Professor, School of Architecture (Community and Regional Planning)