Austin C. Smith is an Associate Professor of Economics at Bates College, located in Lewiston, Maine. His research focuses on policy-relevant questions in health, education, and labor markets, with notable projects examining compensation structures in healthcare, occupational licensing impacts, and factors influencing student academic performance and career outcomes. He teaches courses in Econometrics, Labor Economics, and Research Methods. Smith’s work bridges empirical analysis with real-world policy implications. His recent studies include analyzing the effects of performance pay in community health centers, evaluating the long-term earnings impacts of Greek life participation, and investigating daylight saving time’s correlation with fatal vehicle crashes. His research has been featured in prominent journals like the Journal of Public Economics and American Economic Journal: Applied Economics , alongside media outlets such as The Atlantic and Wall Street Journal . Methodologically, Smith employs advanced empirical techniques, including regression discontinuity designs and large-scale data analysis. His interdisciplinary approach addresses societal challenges at the intersection of economics, public health, and education policy. Outside academia, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking with his family, reflecting his commitment to balancing rigorous scholarship with personal well-being.
