I am an applied microeconomist specializing in sustainable development and environmental economics. I will complete a  PhD in Applied Economics at Oregon State University in May 2026.  (Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Alix-Garcia)

My research identifies sustainable land-use policies by exploring microeconomic tradeoffs between agriculture and ecosystems. I combine spatial causal inference, high resolution enviro-social data, and micro-level decision theory to assess land-mediated social and environmental change.  

My job market paper uncovers rare evidence of large-scale forest restoration on private agricultural land. I show spatial monitoring induces restoration by raising enforcement risk above opportunity costs. I also find a policy synergy between markets and regulation whereby farm loans amplify restoration through productivity. 

Before OSU, I worked at the International Budget Partnership on global fiscal policy and have consulted for Conservation International on climate policy. 

More info: C.V., ResearchGate, Google Scholar. Email: totor [at] oregonstate.edu