Sam Dodini's research focuses on empirical work in the broad areas of labor and public economics. In particular, he focuses on worker responses to monetary and non-monetary incentives, labor market institutions such as occupational licensing, education, and the effects of public expenditures on individual well-being. He also has research interests in urban economics, spatial demography, inequality, risky health behaviors, and housing policy.

Sam joined PAM as a graduate student in 2016. Prior to beginning graduate school, he was a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board where his team focused on the economic well-being of American families, issues in housing and urban economics, and the take-up and effects of emerging mobile payments technology.