Ina Ganguli (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

Event
Monday, March 7, 2022 - 3:40 pm to 5:00 pm
Event Type: 

Ina GanguliDescription: Virtual Department Seminar: Ina Ganguli

Location: Virtual

Title: "The Effect of Minimum Wage Changes on Scientific Production"

Abstract: We estimate the impact of changes in state minimum wage laws on demand for lab personnel and scientific productivity. Using an event study difference-in-differences framework and rich administrative data from the accounting records of thousands of labs at U.S. research universities, we find that increased labor costs matter for the employment of trainee research assistants and staff and the rate and direction of scientific activity, particularly among labs that are more dependent on employing low-wage workers. Our analysis demonstrates the need for insurance mechanisms or increased budget flexibility for PIs, particularly for universities seeking to provide undergraduates with research experience.

Contact Person: Matt Clancy

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