Chan and Sharrow Receive 2026 Outstanding Research Award

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Each year, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst recognizes faculty whose research exemplifies innovation, rigor, and real-world impact. The SBS Outstanding Research Award celebrates scholars whose work advances knowledge while shaping policy, public discourse, and the broader academic landscape.

The 2026 award honors two exceptional researchers: Nathan Chan and Elizabeth Sharrow. Through distinct yet complementary approaches, both scholars demonstrate the transformative power of research to deepen understanding and address complex societal challenges.

Nathan Chan
Professor of Resource Economics

Professor Chan’s research in environmental and resource economics has established him as a leading voice in understanding how individuals and institutions respond to environmental challenges. Over the past five years, his scholarly productivity and impact have been extraordinary, with 28 peer-reviewed publications in top journals across economics and related fields.

Chan’s work spans environmental economics, behavioral economics, and economic theory, combining methodological rigor with real-world relevance. His research has appeared in premier journals such as The Economic Journal, the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, and the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, a level of consistent high-impact publication that is rare even among leading scholars.

His contributions have been widely recognized by peers. He received a Best Paper Award at the Ulvön Environmental Economics Conference and serves on the editorial councils of two of the field’s top journals, reflecting the high regard for his scholarly judgment and expertise. His research agenda continues to expand globally, with collaborative projects and experiments conducted in Sweden, Norway, and New Zealand, underscoring the international reach of his work.

Beyond his publications, Chan has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and academic leadership. He has guided graduate students into successful careers and collaborated with undergraduate researchers who have gone on to top graduate programs. His ability to integrate students into high level research is a hallmark of his impact within SBS.

What makes Chan’s achievements particularly notable is that they have been accomplished alongside significant service contributions, including leadership roles within his department and the broader discipline. His work not only advances academic theory, but also contributes to more effective policy design in areas such as climate change, sustainability, and public goods.

Elizabeth Sharrow
Professor of Public Policy and History
Director of Faculty Research, Institute for Social Science Research

Professor Sharrow’s research sits at the intersection of public policy, political science, and history, offering critical insights into how policies shape and are shaped by ideas about gender, race, and identity. Their scholarship has earned national recognition for both its intellectual contributions and its relevance to contemporary policy debates.

In recent years, Sharrow has received multiple prestigious awards, including the American Political Science Association’s Gladys M. Kammerer Award for their book Equality Unfulfilled, which examines how the design of Title IX policies has influenced gender equity in college athletics. The book has also been recognized as an Outstanding Academic Title by the American Library Association, reflecting its broad scholarly impact.

Sharrow’s research explores how policy structures shape political beliefs and coalitions, particularly in areas related to gender equity and inclusion. Through innovative data collection and interdisciplinary methods, their work reveals how experiences with policy design, such as gender segregated athletics, can influence public attitudes toward equity and reform.

Their scholarship extends beyond academic publications to engage directly with public discourse. Sharrow’s work has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post and The Conversation, and they have contributed expertise to major media projects, including an Emmy Award-winning documentary on the history and impact of Title IX. This commitment to public-facing scholarship reflects a broader dedication to ensuring that research informs real-world conversations and policy decisions.

In addition to their research achievements, Sharrow plays a leadership role within the university as Director of Faculty Research at the Institute for Social Science Research, supporting faculty and graduate students in developing competitive research agendas. Their work has been supported by major funders, including the National Science Foundation and the Social Science Research Council.

Colleagues describe Sharrow as a versatile and engaged scholar whose work advances theory while addressing urgent social questions. Their ability to connect rigorous research with public impact makes them a standout leader in their field.

A Shared Commitment to Impactful Research

While their areas of focus differ, Nathan Chan and Elizabeth Sharrow share a commitment to research that matters, work that not only advances scholarly understanding but also engages with the challenges facing society today.

Both scholars exemplify the core values of SBS research: intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a dedication to public impact. Their work demonstrates how research can inform policy, shape public conversations, and contribute to more equitable and sustainable futures.

The 2026 Outstanding Research Award recognizes their individual achievements and celebrates the broader role of research within SBS. It is a recognition of scholarship that asks important questions and helps move us toward meaningful answers.