Ben Harrell
About Ben Harrell
Ben Harrell is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Vanderbilt University, specializing in behavioral, health, and labor economics with a focus on discrimination and public health policy.
Title and Current Position
Ben Harrell is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Vanderbilt University located in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. In his role, he focuses on advancing research in behavioral economics, particularly in areas related to public health policy and labor market discrimination.
Educational Background
Ben Harrell holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from Georgia State University, where he studied from 2016 to 2021. He also completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Community and Organizational Psychology, with dual minors in economics and mathematics, from the College of Coastal Georgia (2013-2016). Additionally, he earned an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Psychology from the same institution (2011-2013).
Former Roles and Career History
Before his current position, Ben Harrell served in various academic and professional roles. He was an Economics PhD Student and Undergraduate Economics Instructor at Georgia State University from 2016 to 2021. He also worked as a Lead Supplemental Instructor/Teaching and Research Assistant at the College of Coastal Georgia in the ATTiC/Psychology Department from 2015 to 2016. Previously, he served as a Tutor at Trio Student Success from 2012 to 2015 in Brunswick, Georgia, and as a Corporate Accounts Coordinator at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort from 2010 to 2016. His earlier experience includes working as a Co-Manager at Books A Million from 2008 to 2010 in Brunswick, Georgia.
Research Focus and Interests
Ben Harrell's research concentrates on behavioral responses to public health policy and discrimination in labor and healthcare markets. He employs tools from the experimental social sciences to investigate these complex issues, with a strong focus on policy cost-benefit analysis. His research interests are in behavioral, health, and labor economics, and he is particularly dedicated to studying discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals within these fields.
Approach to Behavioral Economics
Ben Harrell uses experimental social science methodologies to address challenging questions in behavioral economics. His approach allows for nuanced analysis and understanding of economic behaviors related to public policy and discrimination. This methodology supports his commitment to refining and contributing to the academic dialogue on behavioral, health, and labor economics.