He earned a B.A. in economics from UC-Riverside and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. His research investigates the impacts of poverty and inequality on a wide range of macroeconomic outcomes like economic growth, aggregate health, and population dynamics. Jeffrey teaches courses dealing with macroeconomic theory and economic development. In his free time he enjoys running and backpacking. Jeffrey also enjoys watching sports of all kinds, specifically the Padres, 49ers, and Liverpool.