I absolutely love my job and often can't wait to go to work!

Current research
My two principal areas of research are poverty and income distribution—specifically as it pertains to the Hispanic population. In examining the economic condition of this group, we see that they are much poorer than the general population—largely due to the fact that they are undereducated and possess poor English skills. Many who reside in large Spanish-speaking enclaves are not motivated to learn English; thus, while they can certainly get by in society, they cannot thrive economically. It is interesting to note that they don't consider themselves to be poor.

Job satisfaction
I absolutely love my job and often can't wait to go to work! During my many years of teaching, I've had countless memorable classroom experiences, and I've met so many wonderful students—many in whose lives I am still involved. That said, I've participated in two programs that have been especially thrilling for me. For two years, I taught at Miami's campus in Luxembourg, and those two years in that remarkable place really fueled my enthusiasm for study abroad. I have also had the privilege of serving as the Honors program coordinator for the Department of Economics; it's been a real treat to work with those talented students.

In the beginning
While I was an undergraduate, Sir Hans Singer, a world-famous development economist, came to teach as a visiting professor. I was so inspired that I approached him after class one day to inquire about obtaining an internship as his research assistant. I spent two unforgettable summers working at the United Nations.

The right stuff
I've found that many students here have a special combination of high intellectual ability and the kind of solid middle-American values that prize ambition and effort. These traits provide not only the ability to respond to challenges, but the motivation to meet those challenges and to seek the support that is necessary along the way.

On a personal note
Many people don't know that back in the '60s while I worked as a research assistant at the U.N. by day, I worked as a folk singer in Greenwich Village by night! After all these years, I still enjoy performing; for 68 consecutive semesters, I have treated my students to a mini-concert on the last day of class!

Leading by example
When speaking specifically about mentorship, I consider my mentoring style to be akin to that which a master employs with an apprentice. Students assist me while I work, and I teach them the basics of my craft, then I challenge them to begin to create research artifacts of their own. I am very proud of the fact that a significant portion of my published research has been co-authored with former students.