Graduate Assistant

I am a PhD candidate in Economics completing my studies at Iowa State University where my main fields of interests are labor economics and applied econometrics with a focus on identification issues.

In particular, my job market paper, ``The Causal Effects of Criminal Convictions on Labor Market Outcomes in Young Adults: A Nonparametric Bounds Analysis," estimates identification regions for two causal effects predicted by a search model of employment (Black 1995): the causal effect of criminal convictions on hourly wages and match quality (measured as tenure). The effect on match quality has previously been ignored in the literature. Moreover, I apply a partial identification approach to the problem of identification that derives its power from relatively weaker assumptions than those typically imposed. Within a potential outcomes framework, this identification approach is compared and contrasted with the standard Heckman Two-Step approach. Though point identification of the causal parameters is not obtained, informative identification regions emerge.

My main teaching interests lie in the fields of labor economics, applied econometrics, and applied microeconomics. However,  I am also excited by the field of environmental and resource economics and would much enjoy teaching such a course or one in introductory macroeconomics or history of economic thought. I have experience teaching at the university level as well as the high school level. I strongly believe in the connection between teaching and research and enjoy interacting with students learning new and exciting ideas. I am currently also constructing an educational website where I feature streaming economic lectures oriented towards introductory courses.

I am currently on the market!