Ryan McCord

I am a PhD candidate in Environmental Policy (Economics concentration) at Duke University, studying energy and development. My research examines how energy systems shape outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on identifying which dimensions of electricity service (i.e., reliability, affordability, capacity, etc.) are most important for translating access into improvements in health and economic well-being in different settings. I also study how electrification programs and policies are structured, implemented, and evaluated, with the goal of identifying approaches that maximize the benefits of improved electricity services. I have extensive fieldwork experience, particularly in East and Southern Africa, and more recently, in South Asia. I care deeply about research that is rigorous, grounded in real-world contexts, and useful to the people and institutions I work with.