He typically teaches microeconomics, macroeconomics, and public economics courses. Pavel joined Duquesne University in 2007, after earning his doctorate degree from West Virginia University in 2006 and completing a year of post-doctoral research in the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at WVU. Pavel also has an M.A. in economics from West Virginia University and a B.S. in economics and business administration from Shepherd College. Pavel is a recipient of the WVU Foundation Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship in Social Sciences. Pavel was born in Siberia and moved to the United States in pursuit of higher education.