My primary expertise lies in the comparative politics of development, with a regional specialization in South Asia. My research interests are in public and private governance, state capacity, social welfare and inequality, and state-society relations in India. My research is motivated by questions of when, why and how states develop the capabilities to govern effectively, meet citizen needs and promote social welfare. My current work explores these questions in India, where I am investigating: (1) the implementation of universal primary education, (2) the development and delivery of social welfare programs and services, and (3) the reform of the Indian police and its impact on women’s security. To study these topics, I use intensive qualitative field methods, in combination with surveys and field experiments. I am pleased to supervise students working on contemporary South Asian politics and development.