Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith is an Associate Professor of Economics at Georgia State University and a faculty fellow with the Georgia Policy Labs. He is affiliated with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and serves as an IZA Research Fellow and Co-Editor of Economics of Education Review. His research focuses on behavioral and institutional factors influencing college choice, completion, and labor market outcomes. Prior to his academic role, he worked as a Policy Research Scientist at the College Board.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Economics, Boston University
• M.A. in Economics, Boston University
• B.A. in Economics, Tufts University

Research Interests: Dr. Smith specializes in education economics and labor economics, with particular emphasis on college access, sibling spillover effects, Advanced Placement programs, and the economic implications of public policies like SNAP. His work often bridges academic research with practical policy analysis, addressing issues such as voting behavior among STEM students and the long-term outcomes of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Publications & Trends: His recent articles explore topics like voting patterns among STEM students, the impact of HBCUs on educational outcomes, and labor market signaling mechanisms. His work consistently highlights the intersection of education policy and socioeconomic dynamics.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Georgia Policy Labs and IZA Research Network, his collaborative efforts focus on data-driven policy solutions for education and labor markets.