Research

Estimates the causal effect of PM2.5 on cardiovascular mortality at the county-month level using restricted NCHS mortality microdata linked to satellite-derived environmental measures. Systematically evaluates how thermal inversion construction choices affect instrument validity. Using the preferred specification (F-stat 463), a one-unit increase in PM2.5 raises cardiovascular mortality by 3.8%, ranging from 1.2 to 7.4% across specifications. Effects are larger for Black, female, elderly, and low-income populations. Results are robust to alternative pollutant measures, outcome transformations, and pre-pandemic samples.

Estimates the causal impacts of smoking on mental health and functional limitations using BRFSS data and cigarette tax variation. Addresses smoking status misreporting via a bivariate probit two-step model, showing that corrected estimates substantially exceed standard estimates.

Links restricted CAPS administrative records from Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning with satellite-derived pollution data. A one-unit increase in county-week average PM2.5 decreases childcare attendance by roughly two percentage points. Effects are larger for racial minorities and children with working parents.

Uses staggered difference-in-differences over 2010–2019 to estimate whether targeted regulations on abortion providers impose broader financial costs on households beyond direct healthcare access.