Rowena Gray

Rowena Gray is an Associate Professor of Economics and Graduate Chair at the University of California, Merced, where she is affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. She also holds research positions as a Research Associate at the Centre for Economics, Policy, and History in Ireland and as a Research Affiliate at Queen's University Centre for Economic History in Belfast.

Dr. Gray received her academic training at prestigious institutions:

• Ph.D. in Economics, 2011 - University of California, Davis
• M.A. in Economics, 2006 - University of California, Davis
• B.A. in Economics, 2004 - University of Dublin, Trinity College (first-class honors)

Professor Gray's research spans several interconnected fields within economic history and applied microeconomics. Her primary interests include economic history, labor economics, crime, and housing markets. Her work often employs historical data to examine long-term economic trends, inequality patterns, and the impacts of technological change. She has made significant contributions to understanding how historical events and policies have shaped contemporary economic conditions, particularly in the areas of racial inequality, urban development, and structural economic transformation. Her research methodology frequently combines quantitative analysis with historical context to provide nuanced insights into economic phenomena.

Gray's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on using historical data to address contemporary economic questions. Her work bridges traditional economic history with modern applied microeconomics, creating valuable insights for both historical understanding and contemporary policy. She has examined topics such as the long-term effects of globalization, the relationship between technological change and labor markets, and the historical roots of contemporary housing and inequality patterns. Her research often incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from history, geography, and sociology to enrich her economic analyses.

Professor Gray has received notable recognition for her scholarly contributions:

• Larry Neal Prize for best article 2013-2014

In addition to her research accomplishments, Professor Gray has secured significant external funding for her work. She has served as Principal Investigator on multiple competitive grants from prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation ($607,000), Russell Sage Foundation (multiple awards), and Hellman Faculty Fellows program. Her current research projects include studies on historical housing markets in the United States spanning more than a century, immigration's impact on crime, and police quality following the end of the spoils system in American cities. She actively collaborates with researchers from various institutions worldwide, contributing to the international scholarly community through her affiliations in Ireland and the UK.