I am a PhD-trained economist who studies interpersonal violence and alcohol and substance use among youth and young adults with a focus on the role of incentives, decision-making, and policy. My research lies at the intersection of health, economic behavior, and law and public policy. To date, I have broadly specialized in the use of quasi-experimental and causal inferences methods to evaluate the impact of health and other public policies on health outcomes. The goal of my research program is to help build and sustain systems and structures that support both help-seeking and healing and align with the preferences and goals of those who experience violence and those with alcohol and substance use disorders.
I attended Mercer University from 2007-2011 and graduated summa cum laude with a BBA in economics. I received my MS and PhD in economics from Florida State University in 2016 where I was trained in applied microeconomics, econometrics, health economics, and law and public policy. In 2014, I was awarded the Irvin & Peggy Sobel Award, for outstanding achievement among students entering PhD candidacy, and I was selected to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Economic Sciences along with approximately 20 other students among all economics PhD students in the nation. After completing my doctoral degree, I studied under the mentorship of Anirban Basu, Cri Masseria, and Lou Garrison as a postdoctoral fellow at the Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute at the University of Washington where I received further training in health economics and outcomes research. Some of my work with colleagues during this time focused on health economic issues including rising prescription drug costs, access to care, and substance use public health programs.
I attended Mercer University from 2007-2011 and graduated summa cum laude with a BBA in economics. I received my MS and PhD in economics from Florida State University in 2016 where I was trained in applied microeconomics, econometrics, health economics, and law and public policy. In 2014, I was awarded the Irvin & Peggy Sobel Award, for outstanding achievement among students entering PhD candidacy, and I was selected to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Economic Sciences along with approximately 20 other students among all economics PhD students in the nation. After completing my doctoral degree, I studied under the mentorship of Anirban Basu, Cri Masseria, and Lou Garrison as a postdoctoral fellow at the Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute at the University of Washington where I received further training in health economics and outcomes research. Some of my work with colleagues during this time focused on health economic issues including rising prescription drug costs, access to care, and substance use public health programs.
Ongoing funded research projects
Firearm threats and violence against children and youth in Domestic Violence Protection Orders in King County, WA
Emerging Researcher Award, 2021
Role: PI
Funded by the Grandmothers Against Gun Violence Foundation
Sexual violence reporting among college athletes
Exploratory Research Project Award, 2020
Role: Co-PI (Ellyson & Adhia)
Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center | University of Washington
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [R49CE003087: Injury and Health Equity Across the Lifespan (PI: Vavilala)]
Culture, Longitudinal Patterns, and Safety Promotion of Handgun Carrying Among Rural Adolescents: Implications for Injury Prevention
Role: Co-Investigator
PI: Rowhani-Rahbar
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Emerging Researcher Award, 2021
Role: PI
Funded by the Grandmothers Against Gun Violence Foundation
Sexual violence reporting among college athletes
Exploratory Research Project Award, 2020
Role: Co-PI (Ellyson & Adhia)
Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center | University of Washington
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [R49CE003087: Injury and Health Equity Across the Lifespan (PI: Vavilala)]
Culture, Longitudinal Patterns, and Safety Promotion of Handgun Carrying Among Rural Adolescents: Implications for Injury Prevention
Role: Co-Investigator
PI: Rowhani-Rahbar
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Honors and Awards