Lori Dickes

Lori Dickes is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Political Science at Clemson University, affiliated with the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. She serves as Graduate Program Director for the Policy Studies PhD and Master in Public Administration programs. Her academic journey includes multiple roles such as Assistant Director of the South Carolina Water Resources Center and Director of Economic Education at Lander University.

Dr. Dickes holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy (Clemson University, 2011), dual MAAE in Applied Economics and MS in Political Science (University of Central Florida, 2003/2005), and dual BS degrees in Economics and Political Science (University of Central Florida, 2001).

Her research focuses on three core areas: 1) Regional/rural economic development policy, 2) Natural resource policy impacts, and 3) Cost-benefit analysis of public health innovations. Notable work includes studies on neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment models, agritourism economics, and water resource governance.

Recent publications emphasize healthcare policy (e.g., opioid dependency management in newborns) and adaptive water governance. She has received prestigious awards including the Ralph D. Elliott Award (2022) and Distinguished Doctoral Mentoring Award (2021).

Dr. Dickes is actively involved with research institutes like the Center for Public Health Modeling and Response, contributing to interdisciplinary projects addressing rural development, public health interventions, and environmental policy. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy solutions for underserved communities.