Robert L. Mayo
Challey Research Specialist
Dr. Robert L. Mayo is driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding human behavior through the lens of economics. Initially drawn to physics, he discovered economics early in his academic journey, a moment he describes vividly as "the heavens opening and a shining line coming down." He quickly recognized that economics offered a unique opportunity to apply quantitative methods to understand human systems and decision-making. Inspired by this realization, Robert transitioned into economics and public policy, earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, before pursuing advanced studies at George Mason University (GMU), where he completed his Ph.D. in Economics in 2017.
Academic and Intellectual Foundations
Robert's research interests have been deeply shaped by influential mentors, notably Kevin McCabe, director of GMU’s Center for Neuroeconomics, and indirectly through McCabe, Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith. Their guidance introduced Robert to experimental economics, emphasizing a rigorous, scientific approach that blends economic theory with experimental validation. This foundation has influenced Robert’s own commitment to rigorously testing and refining economic theories through experimental and computational methods, challenging assumptions, and exploring new ways to measure human behavior.
Research Insights and Approach
At the heart of Robert's research is a fundamental desire to understand the nuances of human decision-making. His scholarly research explores "other-regarding behaviors"—actions like charitable giving or acts of vindictiveness—seeking insights into why individuals make decisions that might appear irrational. This has led to a range of investigations, including work examining the price elasticity of charity and the role of religiosity in charitable behaviors.
Robert is currently examining critical issues in healthcare, specifically the availability and distribution of medical specialists across regions. His research highlights the significant shortage of specialized physicians in areas like North Dakota. By analyzing how other states address similar challenges, Robert's research aims to provide actionable policy insights that can help bridge gaps in essential healthcare services. He recently released a policy paper on how North Dakota can use its natural resources and climate to lead the next generation of data centers that will power the AI revolution.
Robert describes himself as an experimentalist, embracing allowing evidence to challenge and refine theoretical frameworks. Rather than assuming human error when experiments produce unexpected outcomes, he believes in revisiting economic models to ensure they accurately reflect real-world behaviors. This approach was exemplified in a well-known case of Israeli daycare policies, where introducing financial penalties for late pickups paradoxically increased tardiness. Such scenarios underscore Robert's emphasis on the significance of incentives, framing, and context in understanding economic behavior.
His recent work includes field experiments exploring critical social issues, such as racial discrimination in labor markets. He applies methodologies pioneered by economists like John List to uncover systemic biases in employment processes.
Teaching and Mentorship
As an educator, Robert takes pride in teaching economic thinking to his students. He highlights how incentives influence human behavior and prompts them to embrace economic reasoning as a useful perspective for analyzing everyday choices, social trends, and policy implications. Instead of simply memorizing formulas, he aims for his students to assimilate frameworks that enable them to interpret the world critically and interact with it thoughtfully.
Professional Motivation and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Robert is eager to deepen his involvement in field experiments, believing that real-world contexts offer richer, more authentic insights than purely software-based experiments. This aligns with his goal of enhancing our understanding of human behavior in practical and tangible ways.
Robert's motivation comes from his genuine enthusiasm for his work. He describes his job as "living the dream," energized by the opportunity to engage daily with intellectually curious colleagues, explore meaningful research questions, and continually learn. His dedication is such that even his leisure activities often include studying statistics and econometrics for enjoyment.
Broader Impact
Ultimately, Robert views his research as contributing to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of human behavior, with implications beyond academia. His work fosters policies and decisions that improve society by challenging economic assumptions and refining theories through empirical evidence. With a profound commitment to scientific rigor and practical relevance, Robert explores the fundamental forces shaping human interactions and decision-making.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Robert is embracing the joys and challenges of fatherhood with a one-year-old daughter. He is balancing his passion for economics with the rewarding demands of family life.
The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth aims to advance understanding in the areas of innovation, trade, institutions, and human potential to identify policies and solutions that enhance economic growth and opportunity. Learn more at www.ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute
