Steven David Levitt is an American economist and professor emeritus at the University of Chicago. He is best known for co-authoring the best-selling book 'Freakonomics' and its sequels, which explore the hidden side of everything through the lens of economics. Levitt's research has significantly impacted the field, particularly in the area of crime, for which he was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal in 2003.

In addition to his academic achievements, Levitt served as co-editor of the Journal of Political Economy until December 2007 and co-founded TGG Group, a consulting firm focused on business and philanthropy in 2009. His contributions to economics have earned him recognition, including being named one of Time magazine's '100 People Who Shape Our World' in 2006. A 2011 survey of economics professors ranked him as the fourth favorite living economist under 60.