My research specialization lies in the intersection of public finance, state and local economic development, urban and regional economics, and public policy. My passion is for research-informed policy making and public outreach.  

Professional Credentials: I have published over 40 academic articles in journals, including the Journal of Labor Economics, the Journal of Urban Economics, Journal of Regional Science, Regional Science and Urban Economics, Economic Development Quarterly, and Southern Economic Journal. I have served on editorial boards for Reaching Regions, Review of Regional Studies, Journal of Urban Affairs, Growth and Change, and was an associate editor of International Regional Science Review.

Consulting Experience and Civic Engagement: I have conducted research funded by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the National Science Foundation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the US Department of Agriculture. I served on Oklahoma's State Incentive Evaluation Commission, the City of Norman Forward Citizen Financial Oversight Board, One Norman Vision Task Force, and the Center City Steering Committee.

Public Engagement: My public engagement includes media interviews, podcasts, social media posts, guest articles, and creating an educational blog about Tax Increment Financing and school education funding (http:tif-ed.blogspot.com).

Awards and Recognitions: I was named a Fellow of the Southern Regional Science Association (2019), and received OU Vice President for Research Award for Improving Quality of Life and Communities (2017), and the Regent's award for Superior Professional and University Service and Public Outreach (2025).