معرفی
Michael David Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Economics & Finance Department at Creighton University's Heider College of Business. Previously, he served as a Research Professor at Utah State University, focusing on transportation economics and regulatory policy. He holds a PhD in Economics from George Mason University (2009), a Master's from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and a Bachelor's from the University of Alabama. His research spans public choice, behavioral taxation, and institutional economics, with notable work on regulatory asymmetries and fiscal policy dynamics.
Education:
- PhD in Economics, George Mason University (2009)
- MA in Economics, University of Missouri-St. Louis
- BA in Economics, University of Alabama (2001)
Research Interests: Dr. Thomas explores how institutional frameworks shape economic outcomes, particularly in public choice contexts. His work analyzes behavioral symmetry in policy design, regulatory state evolution, and the interplay between fiscal discipline and political incentives. He critiques modern paternalistic taxation and advocates for market-driven solutions rooted in Austrian economics principles.
Awards:
- Cahill Award for Excellence (2018) – Recruited top Heider Fellows cohort
- Cahill Award for Excellence (2019) – Pioneered Vienna faculty-led program
- Cahill Award for Excellence – Founded Business Research Fellows initiative
Grants & Advising: While no specific students or grants are detailed here, his research has been supported by institutions like the Mercatus Center. He co-authored influential papers on sin taxes and regulatory policy, often collaborating with his spouse, Diana W. Thomas (also an economics professor at Creighton).
Labs/Teams: Engaged with the Menard Center for Economic Inquiry and Harper Center for Student Life & Learning. His work integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from history, political science, and philosophy to inform economic analysis.
