Prof. Daron O. Djerdjian, the visionary founder and director of the Carl Menger Institute for Market Economics, earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Syracuse University, New York, in 2004, specializing in International Trade Theory and Political Economy. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Djerdjian has taught at the American University of Sharjah (UAE), and Occidental College (California/USA); he currently holds the position of Teaching Associate Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (California/USA).

A prolific scholar, Prof. Djerdjian has authored numerous research papers published in esteemed journals such as the Journal of International Finance and Economics, Review of World Economics, International Economic Journal, International Review of Economics and Finance, and The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy. His research has also been showcased at international venues such as the Global Conference on Business and Finance in San José, Costa Rica; the European Applied Business Research Conference in Rothenberg, Germany; and the European Economics and Finance Society International Conferences in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, and the Greek island of Crete. He has also attended several prestigious conferences, such as the North American Summer Meeting of the Econometric Society at Brown University and the Mid-West International Economics Meetings at Northwestern University. His current research interests primarily focus on investigating the crucial role of market institutions in a thriving market economy.

As the progenitor of the groundbreaking concept of the “anthropoethical” anarchic order, Prof. Djerdjian has made significant contributions to our understanding of how societies can establish harmony and prosperity through the principles of Austrian economics. His innovative ideas and dedication to advancing the field have solidified his position as a leading figure in the world of market economics.

Peter is an ardent researcher who co-founded the Carl Menger Institute for Market Economics alongside Prof. Daron Djerdjian. Hailing from an agrarian community in the Austrian Alps, he is currently pursuing a B.A. (Hons.) degree at Occidental College and the California Institute of Technology, where he studies Diplomacy & World Affairs with a modification in Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture.

His research endeavors—primarily on the global political economy—have been recognized by the Ford Foundation; currently, he is writing a book-length monograph on emerging norms in private international law and jurisprudence. Mr. Vartanian has been recognized as a Walter B. Gerken Honors Fellow in Public Policy, Bennett W. Schwartz Scholar in Economics, and John Parke Young Scholar in the Global Political Economy. Having worked with several governmental agencies, investment funds, think-tanks, and student clubs, Peter's passion for advancing anthropoethical economics has been most evident in his role as a Guest Instructor in five courses: In these roles, he has guided discussions and written cases examining the interplay between market and legal norms. Peter’s unique perspective highlights the potential of market-based legal systems to organically align individual incentives, resolve disputes, and spearhead the evolution of private law and polycentric legal orders.

As a co-founder of the Carl Menger Institute, Peter brings his academic excellence, passion for the jurisprudential implications of markets, and diverse experience in real-life economic processes to advance the Institute's mission of developing a comprehensive, human-centered understanding of market phenomena. His x-disciplinary dedication to rigorous scholarship, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to the Institute's vision make him an invaluable asset to the organization.

Per L. Bylund, the Johnny D. Pope Chair and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, combines a diverse professional background with a deep passion for economic theory. Hailing from the picturesque archipelago of eastern Sweden, Bylund's career spans roles as a systems developer, business consultant, and entrepreneur.

He has earned degrees in business administration and business informatics from Jönköping International Business School, a master’s in political theory from Lund University, followed by a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Missouri. His professional experience includes significant contributions to IT and business consulting, as well as a research professorship at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Bylund’s entrepreneurial endeavors have profoundly shaped his research and teaching. His book, How to Think About the Economy: A Primer, published in August 2022, is a compelling introduction to economic literacy. It provides readers with a clear, accessible understanding of economic principles, challenging modern economic orthodoxy and promoting Austrian School views.

Mr. Geiger is a dedicated scholar and researcher at the Carl Menger Institute for Market Economics. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Economics at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain, under the guidance of Professor Philipp Bagus.

Matthew's academic journey began at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2020. During his time at Occidental, he served as a teaching assistant to Dr. Daron Djerdjian, overseeing the latter’s signature course, "Free Market Economics: The Austrian Perspective." Since then, Matthew has actively participated in numerous instructional programs and seminars, including the Rothbard Graduate Seminar and Mises University at the Ludwig von Mises Institute, as well as the John Locke Institute in Washington, D.C.

Matthew's work has been published in the Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics (26/1). As an adjunct instructor at the Menger Institute, Matthew brings his passion for anthropoethical economics and his dedication to research and teaching, contributing to the Institute's mission of advancing a renewed conceptualization of market phenomena.