Research

Published version: International Review of Applied Economics 36 (5-6): 739-761 (2022)

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Abstract: This study analyzes the impact of stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic on safety of women at home and home production responsibilities. We use Google’s community mobility reports to measure changes in travel patterns and Facebook’s Survey on Gender Equality at Home to measure changes in home production and safety at home during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic for 101 countries. We uncover two key findings: first, an increase in travel restrictions leads to an increase in the percentage of women who felt unsafe at home; and second, we find that an increase in travel restrictions translate to a rise in home production for both sexes with men bearing much of the increase. Our results are robust to the extent that we consider the heteroscedastic nature of our data and the potential for reverse causality. We discuss the implications of these results for policies to support women and girls during pandemics. 

Published version: Economics Bulletin 41 (1): 117-124 (2021)

Working paper version: Working paper #1903, Department of Economics, University of Windsor

In popular press: Washington Post, The Conversation, Daily News

Abstract: We provide empirical evidence on the negative relationship between sunspot volatility and GDP in OECD countries. Among the different sectors, we find that the information and communication sector is the most adversely affected by space weather.

Published version: Resource and Energy Economics 61: 1-22 (2020)

Working paper version: Working paper # 1707, Department of Economics, University of Windsor

Abstract: This paper examines the effects of weather shocks and climate change in the economy when rising temperatures independently affect household preferences and production technology. Direct temperature damages to the agent’s preferences amplify the negative economic and welfare effects of temporary and permanent temperature increases. In our model, households value nature and dislike energy use in production. Temperature anomalies increase the disutility of energy use leading agents to reduce its use more dramatically when temperature increases. The short-run response of welfare to an unanticipated change in temperature is remarkably different when temperature directly affects preferences - welfare rises initially and then decreases as it returns to its steady state along with the temperature anomaly. Results of our analysis suggest that the consumption equivalent welfare for a 2.0◦C permanent increase in temperature is approximately 3 percent of GDP.

Published version: Finnish Economic Papers 1: 1-18 (2020)

Working paper version: Working paper # 5456, Center for Economic Studes - Ifo Institute (CES-Ifo), Munich, Germany

Abstract: Recent theoretical work shows that precautionary savings increase in response to an increase in first-order risk. In addition, it is known that the welfare state, being an insurance or consumption-smoothing mechanism, reduces the negative welfare effect of future income uncertainty. We build a model of remittances and savings under income uncertainty and show that an immigrant will increase his remittances in response to a first-order risk decrease in future income. Using changes in the size and generosity of the welfare state as a measure of changes in future income risk, we empirically test the prediction of our model using panel data of bilateral remittances. Our theoretical prediction is supported by the data: there is a positive relationship between a more generous welfare state and international remittances (i.e., transfers beyond the borders of the welfare state). The boundaries of the welfare state are wider than previously thought. 

Published version: Economics of Transition and Institutional Change (formerly Economics of Transition) 27(4): 891-913 (2019)

Working paper version: Working paper # 1610, Department of Economics, University of Windsor

Abstract: This paper study the effect of remittance flows on conflict incidence, onset, and duration in recipient countries. I improve on previous studies by controlling for unobserved country specific effects, and the possible endogenous relationship between conflict and the tendency for a country to receive remittances. I found that remittance flows have a significant negative causal effect on the incidence, onset, and continuation of conflicts. I also provide a suggestive theory that increases in remittance flows raise the opportunity cost of participating in a rebellion thereby encouraging a deescalation of hostilities and, consequently, a reduction in the number of battle-related deaths.

Published version: Journal of Education for Business 93 (3): 119–127 (2018)

Working paper version: Working paper # 2017-07, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Guelph 

Abstract: We investigate the effectiveness of online versus paper assignments using final examination scores in three cohorts of Theory of Finance. In particular, two cohorts were exposed to online assignments while another cohort was exposed to traditional assignments. Our central result is that exposure to online assignments robustly leads to higher final exam scores, all else being equal. We also find a lower level of engagement as shown by low assignment completion rates for students exposed to online assignments.

Published version: Structural Change and Economic Dynamics 40: 81-91 (2017) 

Working paper version:  Working paper #1701, Department of Economics, University of Windsor

Abstract: In this article I augment the standard open economy Real Business Cycle (RBC) model with stochastic remittance shocks. The model was calibrated to match broad, stylized facts common across a large set of remittance recipient countries. The calibration exercise reveals that output does not respond as much to remittance shocks relative to technology shocks. The model predicts that temporary inflows of worker remittances positively affect GDP per capita while a permanent increase of remittances does not. Cross country econometric evidence is consistent with the theory: there is a significant and positive correlation between the temporary component of remittances and growth; and permanent component of remittances do not affect output growth.

Published version:  Journal of Policy Modeling  38 (6): 1136-1146 (2016)

Working paper version: Working paper # 104, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Guelph 

Abstract: In this paper we quantify the impact of wealth transfers such as remittances and foreign aid using a DSGE-RBC model. We calibrate and simulate the model using data from 85 recipient countries. Within this framework we demonstrate: First, the income effect created from a permanent increase in wealth transfers could actually reduce output. The net impact of permanent wealth transfers on disposable income in the long run is zero. Second, positive temporary wealth transfer shocks have a lagged positive response on output provided that persistence is sufficiently low, but these effects are small in comparison to other aggregate shocks. 

Published version: Assumption University Vocations Research Project (2019)

Abstract: This report presents results of a survey of Catholic priests from across Canada. The survey yielded a combination of quantitative and qualitative evidence indicating that faith practice, family faithrelated activities, parental influence, interactions with priest/religious and relevant academic experiences were key factors influencing Catholic men in Canada in their decision to enter the priesthood.