I am an applied micro economist focusing on research questions that have important policy implications for developing countries. These questions include: (1) understanding barriers to the adoption of health and welfare improving technologies, (2) evaluating scalable programs and policies with the potential to minimize human suffering such as social protection programs, and (3) a growing variety of sustainability topics. I apply econometric techniques to micro level data gathered through field experiments and through leveraging geospatial and satellite-based data.

Prior to pursuing an academic career, I worked for seven years as a development practioner in Ethiopia and Honduras, holding various senior-level NGO management positions. I have a PhD in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University (2016) as well as a Master of Public Administration in International Development from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (2004). My work has appeared in the Journal of Development Economics, Journal of the European Economic Association, Global Environmental Change, and Nature Food, among other journals. I am an associate professor in the department of economics at Fordham University and an adjust associate professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.