My research interests are in economic, urban, and social geography. My long-term research has focused primarily on economic change and both its impact on workers and the response of workers, particularly women employed in the growing service sector. This research examines the ways in which labor unions use geographically informed organizing strategies in light of contemporary changes in employment. Moreover, labor unions as institutions must fundamentally change their structure, culture, and leadership in order to represent workers in the new economy. I maintain that workers can use labor unions to improve their position in the labor market, and in the process, labor unions are strengthened and are better able to respond to economic change and workplaces are improved. This research has moved into examining the economic impact of public higher education restructuring on states. I am also interested in the changing landscape of Portland, Maine and the role of planning and policy in addressing workforce development, economic justice and housing issues.
