Dr. Touchton studies the comparative political economy of governance and development—how countries promote economic growth, improve well-being, and redevelop following major economic losses. Much of his research occurs in Latin America, but Dr. Touchton has spent considerable time addressing these questions in Africa, SE Asia, and the United States as well. He is the author of over a dozen peer-reviewed articles in top social science journals as well as a forthcoming book to be published by Cornell University Press. Dr. Touchton's research informs his work in the classroom, and his courses cover a wide variety of topics in comparative politics and public policy, at the undergraduate and graduate level. He completed his Ph. D. at the University of Colorado.