PhD in Economics

Chandler Reilly, 2023

When are you graduating?

Spring 2023

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My dissertation analyzes the political economy of defense R&D policy in the United States and the political economy of rising defense costs over the last several decades. I use economics to understand the incentives political actors face and how they shape the decisions made regarding the award of R&D contracts to university research centers as well as the increasing demand for costly military technologies.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I was inspired by my advisor's work before coming to Mason.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

Prepared me for a career in academia

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

My research publications

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Dr. Chris Coyne - Mentored me in ways that have shaped my scholarly skills

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Keep pushing and don't give up, it will all be worth it.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I will be joining the economics department at Metropolitan State University of Denver as an assistant professor in the Fall 2023 semester. My long-term career goals are to stay at Metro State to teach undergraduate economics courses while continuing to develop my research.