About
Geoffrey Williams is a Professor of Economics at Transylvania University, blending his unique background in acting with academic rigor. He holds a B.F.A. in Acting from NYU (1991), an M.B.A. from Wharton (1999), and a Ph.D. in Economics from Rutgers (2012). His research focuses on crime economics, labor markets, and social policy, emphasizing behavioral factors over purely economic conditions. Notable contributions include analyses of gun supply impacts on youth violence and the long-term effects of early childhood health policies.
Education:
- B.F.A., Acting, New York University, 1991
- M.B.A., Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1999
- M.A. & Ph.D., Economics, Rutgers University, 2009–2012
Williams’ research explores intersections between crime, human capital, and public policy. He argues behavioral traits like impulsivity significantly influence criminal behavior, challenging income-centric theories. Recent work includes Waging War with Gold (2023) and studies on lead removal’s crime-reduction effects. He has consulted in internet/telecom sectors (2000–04) and managed NYU’s Africa House (2004–07), organizing events on African socio-economic issues.
Awards:
- Sidney I. Simon Award for Teaching Excellence (2012)
- Alfred S. Eichner Economics Prize (2011)
His teaching includes introductory economics, econometrics, and statistics. Current research projects span gun market dynamics, Victorian banking history, and NICU healthcare policies. Williams emphasizes applied theory and econometric methods, often collaborating with institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank.
