Catholic economists rejoice!

Still think about this every time I hear someone romanticizing the pre-industrial era

When my children are old enough, they will definitely hear the story of Jimmy Lai.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with @BiolaU professor, Dr. Scott Rae, about falling birth rates, marriage, and what economists can contribute to the conversation about family. He shared something that really stuck with me: "I've told my own kids, repeatedly, that there

Thrilled to announce that I’ll be joining Notre Dame Economics in September as Assoc. Director of the Strengthening Families Research Initiative, working with the incredible Melissa S. Kearney I’m honored building this initiative with Melissa + ND’s poverty initiative. I can’t wait to start!

Introducing the Fall 2025 Ole Miss Economics seminar series line up.

I turned 30 yesterday, which figures given that Home Depot has been my favorite store lately. And I’ve been thinking about my students as we start classes this week. If I could tell my 20-year-old self something, it would be this: life is better than you can possibly imagine.

🔥New episode dropped. Markets need morals. Morals need markets. Clara E. Piano joined Dan Hugger on the Acton Line podcast to explain why this relationship is vital for human flourishing. Check it. ⬇️ acton.org/audio/clara-pi…

Hearing of violence against children always makes me sick to my stomach, but this news hit especially hard. Not that long ago, my three siblings and I were Catholic school students in Minneapolis, excited for the first Mass of the school year. Praying hard for these families.

I was delighted that this conversation was released yesterday -- on my husband's birthday -- because Dan gave me an opening at the end to offer some advice to those still in the marriage market. I couldn't help but reflect upon what drew me to my husband. Interested in some

Very pleased -- I have never been more pleased! -- to share a new working paper (link below). Ennio and I investigate the origins of spousal consent, arguing that the medieval Church developed this rule to mitigate against the costs of indissoluble marriage contracts. We develop

One of the best books I’ve ever read. I’ve gifted dozens of copies at this point. Definitely required reading for the Piano children (perhaps late high school years).

A delightful time was had by all at our first department tailgate of the year! Hotty toddy!! #SIPplyandDemand

So lit, we have our own chandelier

📣 The Strengthening Families Research Initiative Notre Dame Economics is hiring a Research Assistant (starting Summer '26)! Come work with Melissa S. Kearney and me on evidence based ways to support strong families Apply here: apply.interfolio.com/174366 PREDOC.org #econtwitter

Read (well, listen) of the week. Dan Wang has an excellent, if heart-breaking, analysis of the One Child Policy in Ch. 4. I am tempted to assign it in my Family Economics class during the week we discuss policy.

I'm thrilled to welcome A. Trevor Sutton and Clara E. Piano as Acton Institute's newest affiliate scholars.

I have eagerly attended Acton events since my undergraduate years, so it is a VERY special honor to join their work as an Affiliate Scholar. Acton's mission is to "promote a free and virtuous society" -- long live such a glorious enterprise!

There is no age when a majority of atheist will answer this statement in the affirmative: "I am the parent/guardian of a child under the age of 18" Even among atheists in the early 40s, it's only 39%. For Latter-day Saints, a majority are parents starting at age 27.

🚨 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics goes to Mokyr, Aghion and Howitt 🚨 "for having explained innovation-driven economic growht" The best prize in years!