Bio

Degree

PhD in Economics

University of Colorado Boulder

BA in Economics & History

Kent State University

Research Interests

trade policy
wages and distribution of income
money and interest rates

Teaching Interests

As a professor, I understand that students learn while I motivate and point them in an appropriate direction. Regardless of the course, I strive to develop my students’ analytical skills, both verbal and mathematical, and instill a habit of questioning something rather than blindly accepting it as fact. I am constantly trying to get students to apply what they learn in class to real world issues and events.
My teaching philosophy is to create an active learning environment to motivate students to learn and understand the material being covered in a course, empowering them to take ownership of their education. I encourage students to approach problems creatively and develop an understanding of the foundation or basis of an analysis or model. I constantly try to instill knowledge that an economic model is developed to address a question, to explain observed behavior, and strive to ask them how they would approach the same question.
I encourage students to not spend an excessive amount of time relentlessly reading and rereading class notes or posted materials. When a student can successfully explain a concept to other students they have taken a large step toward learning the material. Additionally, listening to someone else go over a concept often times adds a degree of understanding that may not otherwise exist.
I believe the more I can engage a student the more interested a student becomes in the course and the more they want to understand and apply what they are learning. I have found that if I challenge students and expect a lot from them, they will respond in a very positive way becoming more engaged and enthused about learning