Assistant Professor
Allegheny College, Quigley Hall 212
Meadville, PA 16335
ayusuf@allegheny.edu
814-332-3334
Degrees:
B.A., American University of Nigeria
M.A., University of Texas at San Antonio
Ph.D., George Mason University
Courses I Teach
I have taught various classes which include, Introduction to Microeconomics, Gender and Economics, Microeconomic Theory, Poverty/Inequality/Efficiency, Development Economics and Economic Problems and Public Policies. Additionally, I have taught an exploratory advising course aimed at helping first-year students navigate their academic journey at Allegheny College by providing them with tools and guidance to succeed.
Teaching
I am passionate about teaching and continually seek opportunities to improve. As part of my commitment, I was part of the 2025 CSWEP CeMent mentorship program which provided guidance on teaching, research, and service. I was also a faculty fellow in the P3 Pedagogical Program in Spring 2023, where I collaborated with a student fellow to achieve my teaching goals. My teaching philosophy focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking and welcomes feedback from students as a way to continually refine my teaching. During my PhD, I placed second in the 3MT dissertation competition, which showcased my ability to present complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way, further reinforcing my commitment to effective communication, a crucial skill for teaching.
Research
My research focuses on development economics, institutions, and political economy, with a particular interest in how institutions and social norms shape economic development in developing countries. I study issues such as gender inequality, health, and education, and a central theme in my work is how historical events continue to influence modern outcomes, such as the persistence of gender-biased practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Currently, my research explores the intergenerational transmission of FGM and the effectiveness of legislation in ending the practice.
I have had the opportunity to present my research at various international conferences, including the 99th and 100th Western Economic Association International (WEAI) conferences in Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, California; the 2023 and 2024 African Meetings of the Econometric Society; and the 99th and 2024 Southern Economic Association conferences in Washington, D.C.
Other Interests
Outside of academia, I am a member of Toastmasters International, where I have held leadership roles, including Area 21 Director for Division B, District 29. I have also participated in numerous contests, earning several awards. In my free time, I enjoy watching tennis and experimenting with cooking different cuisines.