Doctor of Philosophy, Economics, August 2007
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA
Master of Science, Agricultural and Applied Economics, May 2003
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA
B.S. Agricultural Business Management, May 2001
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Areas of Interest
Community, Economic & Rural Development, Labor Economics, Poverty & Welfare, Regional Economics
Teaching
APEC 5031: Methods of Economic Data Analysis
APEC 5321: Regional Economic Analysis
Research
Research interests include the study of human capital, causes of poverty, food insecurity and poor nutrition, the role of public assistance in enhancing household wellbeing, rural business and labor market development. His Extension and outreach program aims to improve economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, by focusing primarily on access to healthy foods, a quality education and opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
Honors and Awards
College of Food Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Award, (2012).
First Place in The Impact of Teacher Rules, Roles and Rights on Teacher Quality (TR3) Research Competition for "Effects of Teachers' Unions on Qualification
- Specific and Incentive Based Teacher Compensation." ($15,000 prize) (2010).
