Working Paper
Wealth Returns to Inheritance Across the Distribution
Examines how inheritances and financial characteristics translate into net worth across the wealth distribution using SCF data and quantile regressions.
Evidence. Equity. Economic Security.
Empirical research on economic vulnerability, opportunity, and public policy.
I am an applied economist studying housing, wealth, financial security, and policy impacts. I use large-scale survey data and empirical methods to examine how economic systems shape vulnerability, opportunity, and well-being.
Research cited in the FY2022 U.S. Federal Budget, U.S. House testimony, and USITC Publication 5374.
Current Research
Work in Progress
Home Modifications, Health Outcomes, and Aging in Place
Analyzes linked survey and administrative data to examine how home modifications relate to health outcomes and aging-in-place intentions among low-income homeowners.
Work in Progress
Medical Debt Credit Reporting Reforms and Mortgage Outcomes
Examines whether 2022–2023 medical debt credit-reporting reforms improved mortgage access in high-medical-debt areas using CFPB, HMDA, ACS, and Zillow data in a difference-in-differences framework.
Selected Publications & Reports
About
My research examines how economic systems shape vulnerability, opportunity, and well-being. I began my career in St. Kitts and Nevis, where trade, development, and economic resilience were not abstract policy concepts but central questions for households, businesses, and policy-makers.
My work has since moved across international development, U.S. labor markets, housing equity, financial security, and aging populations. Across these settings, the question is consistent: how do structural conditions concentrate risk, and what evidence is needed to design more effective policy?
As a Senior Research Scientist at Howard University’s Center for Excellence in Housing and Urban Research and Policy, I lead applied economic research on housing, wealth, financial security, and health-related outcomes among underserved populations.
"Data gives us perspective. Research gives us responsibility. Policy gives us the opportunity to change lives."— Nyanya Browne, PhD
Experience
Senior Research Scientist
Howard University Center for Excellence in Housing and Urban Research and Policy
Washington, DC · January 2023 – Present
Lead applied economic research on housing equity, wealth, financial security, and aging populations. Design and implement empirical analyses using large-scale survey data and produce research outputs for policy and stakeholder audiences.
Short-Term Consultant
World Bank Group
Washington, DC · September 2020 – December 2023
Conducted economic and policy analysis supporting resilience diagnostics, trade policy, and development research across Caribbean economies. Co-authored a World Bank report on resilience and structural shocks.
Economist Intern
DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Revenue Analysis
Washington, DC · 2018
Authored published OCFO reports examining the effect of LEED certification on residential, multifamily, and commercial office buildings in Washington, DC.
Economist
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, Ministry of International Trade
St. Kitts · December 2012 – July 2016
Conducted economic research and policy analysis supporting trade and development policy; prepared briefings for Cabinet-level decision-makers and international partners.
Media & Policy Impact
FY2022 U.S. Federal Budget Citation
Research on racial disparities in unemployment insurance cited in the Department of Labor budget justification submitted to Congress.
USITC Publication 5374
Trade-related research cited in Distributional Effects of Trade and Trade Policy on U.S. Workers.
U.S. House Testimony Reference
Analysis referenced in congressional testimony on labor market disparities and unemployment insurance.
Black Workers Are More Likely to Be Unemployed but Less Likely to Get Unemployment Benefits
ProPublica coverage of unemployment insurance disparities research.
Just 13% of Black People Out of Work Get Pandemic Unemployment Benefits
CNBC coverage citing research on UI recipiency disparities.
Economic Mobility and Structural Barriers
Research featured by the Washington Center for Equitable Growth.
Unemployment Insurance Disparities: Policy Implications
Research cited in policy analysis by the W.E. Upjohn Institute.
USA Today
Research on unemployment insurance disparities and economic vulnerability featured in national media coverage.