Ph.D. in Economics, Cornell University
BA in Economics, Wellesley College

I am an applied economist, Professor of Public Policy, and Director of Graduate Studies, Duke Sanford School of Public Policy PhD Program.

Drawing on perspectives from the behavioral sciences, psychology, and child development, my research focuses on the economics of child development, specifically child poverty, parent engagement and decision making, and policy and social investment considerations. Read more about my public policy work.

I aim to reveal insights and knowledge about how family decision-making—particularly parental resource allocation to children—shapes children’s environments in ways that are ultimately reflected in developmental outcomes. Read more about my research.

• Childhood poverty in the U.S.

• Social policy design and implementation

• Social investments during early childhood

• Income support and direct cash transfer programs

• Equity and opportunity for Latino families and children

• Insights from behavioral economics for policy design

• Randomized control studies and causal methods

Reflections, reactions, and new ideas.

Research

Generating insights and contributing to knowledge about children’s development and the lives of families with low or unstable economic resources.