I am an economist (Professor) that undertakes research to provide academic and policy insights using rigorous empirical analysis. Underpinning my research are elements of data science through the lens of social science for research & impact. I practiced law in Washington, DC prior to pursuing my PhD.(Princeton). I have worked in universities located in Canada, the United States and Australia. From 2016 to 2024 I served as the Director of the Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research (U of Melbourne).

My research focus is empirical public economics with a focus on charitable giving / philanthropy, the economics of education, and economic disadvantage.  Core to my studies is research that relate to the effects of tax incentives and government funding on charitable giving, the understanding the effects of broader societal and giving issues on communities, various education related issues and trying to disentangle  post-schooling decisions and their effects for supporting positive youth transitions from schooling to higher education and employment. Several of my papers use a gender lens to explore the differences in outcomes for men and women. 

I make extensive use of data from secondary sources (administrative data) to help inform and shape policy.  This work has involved building secure data labs (McMaster: Public Economics Data Analysis Laboratory “PEDAL”; Univ. of Melbourne: Melbourne Institute Data Lab “MIDL”), and shared data environments to extend data access, analysis, and visualisations (e.g., Breaking Down Barriers Shared Data Environment for the study of economic disadvantage). Equally important has been being nimble to create new information to inform and shape policy (e.g. the development of the Taking the Pulse of the Nation survey).

Throughout my career, I have collaborated with many researchers and organizations and I have developed a strong international network. I have taken on many leadership roles that include serving on advisory councils and committees and taking on university leadership roles at various levels.

Personally - I love to hike, travel, and play golf. I enjoy the theater, ballet, music .. arts in general. While I have a few hobbies, one I never thought I would pick up is learning about lavender and creating a range of delights that we sell commercially. Check out our lavender business