My research interests focus on the role of nonprofit organizations in the policy process. Currently I am researching the impacts of the recession of state budgets for children. Some state budgets for early education and care were affected more signficantly than others. My research examines alternative policy designs and the role of advocacy networks in the budget outcomes. A second research project focuses on the decision by nonprofit organizations to collaborate with other organizations in service delivery. The empirical focus includes two policy fields (1) early childhood education and care and (2) housing and community development. This research utilizes decision models to understand the benefits and perils of collaboration for nonprofit organizatons.