About

Professor Smith is an empirical microeconomist working on policy questions in the health, education, and labor-market sphere. His current research projects examine the impact of compensation structure on employee output, occupational licensing, and factors affecting the academic performance and early career outcomes of college students. He enjoys teaching courses in Econometrics, Labor Economics, and Research Methods. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors with family.

Recent Publications

“Performance Pay, Productivity, and Strategic Opt-Out: Evidence from a Community Health Center” with Brian Cadena. Accepted at Journal of Public Economics.

“Greek Life, Academics, and Earnings” with William E. Even. Forthcoming at Journal of Human Resources

Summary Version: JHR Highlights

Media Highlights: The Atlantic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Business Insider

“Spring Forward at Your Own Risk: Daylight Saving Time and Fatal Vehicle Crashes” American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 8(2), pp. 65-91, April 2016.

Summary Version: AEA Chart of the Week

Media Highlights: CBS, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, The Huffington Post, The Verge, Vox

“Occupational Licensing of Social Services and Nursing Home Quality: A Regression Discontinuity Approach” with John R. Bowblis. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 74, pp.199-223, 2021.