I am a PhD candidate in economics at Vanderbilt University. My research lies at the intersection of health economics and substance market policy, with a focus on how harm reduction interventions affect drug use behavior and population health outcomes. My job market paper uses novel administrative data from Indiana to study the causal effects of a statewide naloxone distribution program on opioid-related health and behavioral outcomes. I am on the job market in the 2026-2027 academic year and am available for interviews.

Feel free to email me at robert.s.payne@vanderbilt.edu.