Job Market Paper
"More Peers, Less Support?: International Peer Effects in Doctoral Programs"

Abstract
This paper examines whether the growing presence of international students in U.S.\ doctoral programs influences peers’ academic outcomes. Using transcript-level records from the Ohio Longitudinal Data Archive (OLDA) and exploiting quasi-random fluctuations in program-by-cohort international student composition, I estimate the effects on three key outcomes: on-time PhD completion, dropout timing, and grade point average (GPA). The results provide no evidence that a higher share of international peers adversely affects domestic students. However, this average null effect masks two important exceptions. First, in small cohorts (fewer than ten students), increases in the international peer share significantly reduce international students’ graduation rates, with no comparable effect in larger cohorts. Second, the international peer effects vary by country of origin: greater exposure to same-country peers can either hinder or support international students’ academic progress, depending on the nationality group. Taken together, these findings show that international peer effects are not uniform, but shaped by both cohort size and the cultural composition of peer groups.

• Funded by the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Small Grant

• Awarded first place for oral presentation at the Research, Arts, and Discovery Forum
  
  

Working Paper
"Double Major Dilemma: Wage Penalties for STEM Female Students" (with Valerie K. Bostwick).

Abstract
This study examines how different combinations of double majors affect post-graduation labor market outcomes. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2010-2019, we distinguish between local double majors (within the same field) and global double majors (across different fields). We find that local double majors experience consistent wage premiums, while global double majors in STEM fields face wage penalties—especially among female workers. These wage penalties for female STEM double majors appear to arise from occupational sorting in the labor market.

• Awarded the Arts & Sciences Travel Award

Works in Progress
"Exchange Rates and the Continuity of International Education" (with Lucas Da Rosa).

Abstract
This study focuses on international students whose education costs fluctuate with exchange rate movements. Using NSCG data, We analyze how both favorable and unfavorable currency shocks shape international students’ enrollment decisions and academic performance. The results show that adverse exchange rate shocks significantly reduce the likelihood of enrollment, whereas favorable shocks have no statistically meaningful effect.