I use experiments and field research to study the causes and consequences of violence in developing countries – and what we can do about them. I work in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, and South Africa.
I also study how scientists and practitioners can more effectively answer social science questions and learn about what works to address social problems.
My work is funded by the Arnold Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, International Growth Centre, National Science Foundation, and U.K. Dept. for International Development.
Ph.D., Political Science, 2016
Princeton University
B.A., Political Science, 2006
Reed College
Six-country coordinated studies in Brazil, Colombia, Liberia, Uganda, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Tools to imagine data before it is collected, design-based estimators, and to declare and diagnose research designs.
Large-scale experiment of film and text-messaging program to encourage reporting corruption in the Niger Delta
Methods and tools for list and endorsement experiments and the randomized response technique.
POL SCI 200E: Experimental Design. Fall 2016, Winter 2018. Syllabus
POL SCI 240a/b: Comparative Politics Field Seminar. Fall-Winter 2016⁄17. Syllabus
POL SCI 50: Comparative Politics. Winter 2017, Winter 2018.
Improving Designs in the Social Sciences. Ph.D. workshop, 2016–2018. Faculty leader with Darin Christensen, Erin Hartman, and Chad Hazlett.
I am part of the cross-university teaching collaboration Democratic Erosion. The last third of POL SCI 50 focuses on democratic erosion from a comparative perspective.