Research group
I deeply enjoy working with students who bring fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and an inspiring level of curiosity to every discussion. One of my greatest professional accomplishments is that nearly all of my publications are coauthored with students. This stands as a testament to my commitment to mentoring and collaborative scholarship.
Current students and researchers
Qi Zhang, Postdoctoral Researcher, 2024-present
Ming Zhao, M.S. student, 2024-present
Aavash Shrestha, M.S. student, 2025-present
Former students served as major/co-major advisor
Sushan K C, M.S. in Applied Economics, University of Idaho, graduated in 2025. Initial placement: PhD student, Texas A&M University
Saurabh Bastakoti, M.S. in Applied Economics, University of Idaho, graduated in 2025. Initial placement: PhD student, Washington State University
Micheal Nading Jr., M.S. in Applied Economics, University of Idaho, graduated in 2025. Initial placement: Research Analyst, Decision Innovation Solutions, Des Moines, Iowa.
Pinky Thomas, Ph.D. in Resource Management, WVU, graduated in 2024. Initial placement: Energy Market Analyst, Austin Energy, Austin, Texas.
Saroj Adhikari, M.S. in Applied Economics, University of Idaho, graduated in 2023. Initial placement: PhD student, Washington State University
Aayush Dhakal, M.S. in Applied Economics, University of Idaho, graduated in 2023. Initial placement: PhD student, University of Illinois
Sara Farhangdoost, Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics, WVU, graduated in 2021. Initial placement: Data scientist at State Farm Insurance.
Richard Vest, M.S. in Energy Environments, WVU, graduated in 2021. Initial placement: Associate, Walmart.
Kuan-Ming Huang, Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics, WVU, graduated in 2021. Initial placement: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Florida, Wimauma, FL.
Alexandre Scarcioffolo, Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics, WVU, graduated in 2020. Initial placement: Assistant Professor of Economics, Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA.
Zarina Ismailova, M.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics, WVU, graduated in 2018. Initial placement: Senior associate, PNC Bank, Pittsburgh, PA.
David Aratuo, PhD in Natural Resource Economics, WVU, gradauted in 2018. Initial placement: Research fellow, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
Mostafa Hashemi, M.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics, WVU, graduated in 2018. Initial placement: Graduate student, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Seth Wiggins, PhD in Natural Resource Economics, WVU, graduated in 2016. Initial placement: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO.
University of Idaho: Tyler Hand, M.S. (05/2024)
WVU Division of Resource Economics and Management: Syedul Islam, Ph.D. (12/2023); Ritika Khurana, Ph.D. (05/2022); Shabani Kariburyo, Ph.D.(12/2021); Bolarinwa Ajanaku, Ph.D. (05/2021); Zachary Keeler, Ph.D.(05/2021); Douglas Mugabe, Ph.D. (08/2020); Fahad Alzahrani, Ph.D. (12/2019); Michael O’Connor, M.S. (08/2019); Collin Hodges, Ph.D. (08/2019); Yiming He, Ph.D. (05/2019); Marissa Meltzer, M.S. (05/2019); Mousa Tawfeeq, Ph.D. (08/2018); Adama Warr, M.S. (05/2018); Addie Thornley, M.S. (05/2018); Sapana Bastola, M.S. (12/2017); Abiola Owoeye, M.S. (05/2017); Adebiyi Adeboje, M.S. (05/2017); Christopher Schultz, Ph.D. (12/2015).
Other Departments/Universities: Xufeng Zhang, Ph.D. (WVU, Forestry and Natural Resources, 08/2022); Jiarui Li, Ph.D. (University of Illinois, Agricultural and Applied Economics, 05/2022); Wentao Jiang, Ph.D. (WVU, Animal and Nutrional Sciences, 05/2021); Yu-Chun Chiu (WVU, Plant and Soil Sciences, 08/2019); Qinling Lu, Ph.D. (WVU, Economics, 05/2019); Taining Wang, Ph.D. (WVU, Economics, 05/2019); Jinjing Tian, Ph.D. (WVU, Economics, 05/2018); Fan Zhang, Ph.D. (WVU, Economics, 12/2016)