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Dave Collum

Role: Professor of Organic Chemistry, Cornell University
Background: Betty R. Miller Professor, PhD Columbia University
Known For: Financial commentary, contrarian analysis, annual "Year in Review"
Twitter: @DavidBCollum

Professional Background​

  • Professor of organic chemistry at Cornell University since the 1980s
  • Held department chair and associate editor positions
  • Consultant to major pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer for 20+ years
  • Distinguished academic career in organometallic and synthetic chemistry

Public Commentary​

  • Writes influential annual financial/political review essays
  • Frequent podcast guest on economic and political topics
  • Contrarian voice on markets, central banking, and government policy
  • Predicted 2008 financial crisis in 2002, called banking collapse in 2007

Key Perspectives​

  • Believes current markets are 200% overvalued relative to historical norms
  • Advocates for precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) as store of value
  • Skeptical of cryptocurrency, believes it's NSA-originated for CBDC preparation
  • Critical of institutional narratives, sees coordinated information warfare since 2013

Notable Positions​

  • Survived academic cancellation in 2020 for defending police
  • Maintains academic freedom despite controversial public positions
  • Argues for Austrian business cycle theory and sound money principles
  • Predicts extended period of economic stagnation similar to British Empire decline

Investment Philosophy​

  • Early gold investor (bought at $270/oz when few cared)
  • Focuses on physical precious metals over mining stocks
  • Believes in long-term holding periods, not trading
  • Currently bullish on platinum due to supply deficits and hybrid vehicle demand

Media Appearances​

  • Tucker Carlson Show (August 2025)
  • Various financial podcasts and alternative media
  • Annual essays published at Peak Prosperity
  • Maintains significant social media following for economic commentary

Academic Freedom Advocate​

Cornell has generally protected his right to free speech despite controversial positions, reflecting his view that "What good is tenure if you don't have free speech?"

Last Updated: August 22, 2025