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Morgan C. Williams, Jr. is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Barnard College, Columbia University.  As an economist, his current research agenda addresses the economic consequences of crime and incarceration policy in the United States—with a particular focus on racial inequality.  This research entertains questions ranging from the economic determinants of racial disparities in homicide and policing to understanding the impact of criminal history disclosure requirements on racial differences in labor market and recidivism outcomes.  Professor Williams’ research enjoys support from the Russell Sage Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Policies for Action Initiative.  He is also a previous recipient of the New York University Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Predoctoral Fellowship, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Predoctoral Fellowship, and a U.S. Fulbright Scholar Award.  Professor Williams was awarded a Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) Visiting Scholar Fellowship for the 2024-25 academic year.  Professor Williams received his Ph.D. in Economics from the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, MPH from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and is a proud graduate of Morehouse College.

Note: Professor Williams will be away on sabbatical during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.