Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m Jacob Smith, a third-year Economics Ph.D. candidate at Middle Tennessee State University and a Graduate Research Fellow with MTSU’s Political Economy Research Institute (PERI). With a strong background in applied microeconomics and public choice theory, my research focuses on historical political economy, public interest regulation, and economic freedom.

On this website, you’ll find a glimpse into my academic journey, including details about the courses I have taught, current research projects, and working papers.

Research Interests

Historical Political Economy, Public Choice Theory, Austrian Economics, Public Interest Regulation

Working Papers

“The Father of Food and Drug Law as Strategic Regulator: Dr. Harvey Wiley and the Political Economy of the Bottled-In-Bond Act”

“Bank Runs without a Cause: Frequency, Contagion, and Mitigation Measures in the U.S., 1889-1929”

“Alms and Ale: A Malthusian Test of Welfare Generosity and Alcohol Consumption in OECD Countries, 1995–2023”

“Assuring Consumers of Authenticity, Safety, & Quality in Early American Whiskey Markets”

About Me

I am currently a graduate teaching assistant and third-year Ph.D. student in Economics at Middle Tennessee State University’s Jones College of Business. I’m also proud to have been selected as a Summer 2024 and 2025 Fellow with MTSU’s Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), where I have had the privilege of collaborating with leading scholars to tackle pressing economic and policy issues.

My academic journey began at Hampden-Sydney College, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics and a second major in Philosophy. This multidisciplinary foundation has equipped me with a diverse toolkit and a holistic perspective that I bring to my teaching and research endeavors.

Contact Information

Whether you’re a fellow researcher, a curious student, or someone passionate about economic issues, I’d love to connect and explore opportunities for collaboration and discussion. Feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or drop me an email.