Emma Kate Henry

Ph.D. Candidate in Economics
Culverhouse College of Business, University of Alabama

I develop nonparametric and semiparametric methods for panel data, with a focus on correlated random effects models that let researchers work with longitudinal data without committing to a functional form for how unobserved heterogeneity relates to the covariates. I apply these methods to questions in innovation and firm dynamics.

On the 2026–27 academic job market. I am available for interviews at the ASSA meetings and by video. See my job market paper or download my CV.

Research interests

Primary: Econometric theory — panel data, nonparametric and semiparametric estimation, correlated random effects, interactive fixed effects.

Secondary: Applied microeconomics — innovation, R&D and firm productivity; experimental economics.

Dissertation

Nonparametric and Semiparametric Correlated Random Effects Models

My dissertation has three chapters, each relaxing a functional-form assumption that standard panel estimators impose on unobserved heterogeneity. The first develops estimation and inference for nonparametric panel models under a Mundlak-type correlated random effects specification. The second extends correlated random effects to nonlinear panel models, replacing the usual parametric device with a nonparametric one so that structural parameters stay consistent when the relationship between individual effects and covariates is unknown. The third — my job market paper — brings semiparametric estimation to panel models with interactive fixed effects, and applies it to innovation activity.

Committee: Daniel J. Henderson (chair), Soroush Ghazi, Robert Hammond, Alexandra Soberón, and Emmanuel Tsyawo.

Education

Ph.D., Economics — University of Alabamaexpected 2027

M.A., Economics — University of Alabama, Accelerated Master’s Program2022

B.S., Economics — University of Alabama, summa cum laude2022

Awards and honors

Graduate Council Fellow, Graduate School, University of Alabama2022 – present

Outstanding Teaching by a Doctoral Student, Culverhouse College of Business2026

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, University of Alabama — First Place2025

Harold Elder Teaching Award, Best Economics Graduate Student2025

Departmental Summer Research Grant2025, 2026

President, Economics, Finance & Legal Studies Doctoral Students Organization2024 – present

Department Chair’s Award2022

Helms’ Scholar Award2022

Murray Havens Economics Award2022

Contact

Email   ekhenry@crimson.ua.edu

Department of Economics, Finance & Legal Studies
Culverhouse College of Business, University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487