Elizabeth Thom is a PhD candidate in Government and Social Policy. Her research focuses on social policy and inequality in the United States. She uses quantitative and qualitative methods to study the politics of the American welfare state in regions of the country dominated by single industries. Most of her field work takes place in Central Appalachia. She has taught courses on the welfare state, race in American politics, public policy, and political parties. Outside of her work, she enjoys pilates, soccer, and is an enthusiastic Philadelphia sports fan.