I am an environmental economist currently serving as Chief Economist at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where I specialize in regulatory impact analysis. My work focuses on translating complex economic research into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers and communities.
My research examines climate economics, municipal finance, and adaptation. In parallel, I study knowledge networks that produce and circulate ideas about sustainability across research, policy, and practice. More broadly, my work explores the economics of climate risk and sustainability, bridging academic research with real-world governance.
My experience spans teaching, program leadership, and policy analysis, with a consistent focus on how economic tools can strengthen climate resilience and support more equitable adaptation strategies.
I hold a Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Comparative and International Education from Lehigh University, where my dissertation used network analysis to examine how the emerging field of sustainability studies is organizing itself. I also hold an M.S. in Natural Resource and Applied Economics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a B.B.A. in Economics and Finance from McKendree University.
Earlier in my career, I taught math, science, and social studies in rural Alaska’s Lake and Pen School District. Later, I served as an assistant professor of economics at Centenary University in New Jersey, where I directed the Center for Sustainability and the Sustainable Practices program.
When not working, I’m usually on a bike exploring New Jersey’s trails, reading something new, or driving between softball games and gymnastics lessons.
