Dr. Brandon Parsons
Dr. Brandon Parsons
Dr. Brandon Parsons has over 20 years of business experience working in various industries. Dr. Parsons started working for McKenna Long & Aldridge, now Dentons. He worked on litigation, corporate, and anti-dumping cases. Subsequently, Dr. Parsons became the managing director at a division of Adecco Staffing. After his time with Adecco, he worked for Caterpillar Financial in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Parsons began teaching economics in 2014 and currently teaches at the graduate and undergraduate levels at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School. He teaches managerial economics, macroeconomics, and international business. Brandon’s research focus includes determinants of income inequality and political instability. Dr. Parsons has published several papers on income inequality and political instability using panel data methods. He received his BA from the University of Southern Indiana, his MBA from Pepperdine, and his MA from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Parsons completed his Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Parsons is an avid traveler, having visited over forty countries and every continent. In addition, his hobbies include competing in Ironman triathlon events and climbing mountains.
If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?
I have attended the conference for several years, receiving invaluable feedback that has significantly contributed to my publications. On multiple occasions, colleagues have recommended journals, further aiding my research. The high caliber of attendees is a compelling reason to participate. Notably, I met Dr. Ayoub Rabhi at IAES, with whom I have since collaborated on various research projects.
What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?
Much of my research focuses on the determinants of income inequality. Recently, I have been exploring the nexus between corruption and income inequality. The grease and sand theories have always fascinated me, and the opportunity to investigate and contribute to this literature is highly motivating. Additionally, I have examined the determinants of internal conflict, which remains another area of keen interest for me.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?
Pursue your research interests with dedication, and you will find that over time, it transforms from a task into a labor of love rather than drudgery. The more you work at it, the better you get, as with anything you strive to do in life.
Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning or hoping to pursue?
The list of future projects is long, but will continue focusing on income inequality, political stability, and internal conflict.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Here recently, I’ve gotten into mountain climbing. I try to climb a few 14K mountains each year.