Heather Stephens, director of the West Virginia University Regional Research Institute, has joined the editorial board of the Journal of Regional Science.
One of the most highly-cited journals in urban and regional research, planning, geography and the environment, the Journal of Regional Science has been publishing original analytical research at the intersection of economics and quantitative geography since 1958.
“I’m pleased to have been selected to join as an editor and to represent West Virginia University,” Stephens said. “I would not have been able to consider this position without the support from the Research Office, which tapped me to lead the RRI in 2023.”
Published work in the journal aims to advance the understanding of the geographic dimensions of urban and regional economies, human settlements, and policies related to cities and regions.
Stephens’ research examines issues related to regional economic development and the differences in the impact of policies across regions. She has studied questions related to energy, environmental quality, entrepreneurship, health and regional growth.
She also currently serves as a founding editor of Reaching Regions and on the editorial boards of the peer-reviewed journals Regional Science Policy and Practice and Growth and Change. She is also on the advisory council of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Stephens is often sought out by local and national media for her expertise.