RESEARCH STATEMENT
I work in applied microeconomics with a strong emphasis on development economics, using both field experiments embedded in large-scale program operations, survey experiments, and secondary data (e.g. survey, register and satellite data).
In one part of my research agenda I study microfinance markets and questions like: how can loan contract design better support business growth, and how do employee incentives -- such as performance pay and rotation -- affect performance and retention in microfinance institutions. I also have ongoing related work on financial inclusion through the take-up of new digital technologies. My second main focus area is political economy questions, often studied within development programs: examining collective action and decision rules that shape service delivery, including how decision making processes and electoral mechanisms influence participation, representation, proposals, and group choices. I also study the role of local institutions in policy implementation and outcomes. This work is concentrated in low and lower-middle income countries, mainly in Africa. A third focus area examines labor and human capital questions in OECD settings. I have recently published work on educational policies in vocational colleges, and on the impact of online instruction on achievement and dropout for students from ethnic minorities. In ongoing work in progress I study the labor market choices and information of migrants in the OECD.