Roland Fryer is a Professor of Economics at Harvard University whose research combines economic theory, empirical evidence, and randomized experiments to help design more effective government policies. His work on education, inequality, and race has been widely cited in media outlets and Congressional testimony, establishing him as one of America's most influential economists.

At age 30, Fryer became the youngest African-American to receive tenure at Harvard. He was awarded a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and the John Bates Clark Medal — given by the American Economic Association to the best American economist under age 40. His other honors include fellowship in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and receipt of both the Calvó-Armengol Prize and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

Starting at a McDonald's drive-thru while completing his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in two-and-a-half years, Fryer has risen to become one of the nation's leading voices on social policy. His current research focuses on education reform, social interactions, and police use of force, combining academic analysis with practical policy applications.

Now Fryer brings his expertise to a broader audience as host of The Economics Of, where he applies economic analysis to illuminate unexpected connections in everyday life—from sports to social identity. The series, complemented by his Wall Street Journal opinion pieces, demonstrates how an economist's perspective can transform our understanding of the world around us.

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