Research Interests:

Dr. Harrington’s research interests are directed towards the areas of energy, environmental, high tech, economic development, and education economics. She is a member of the FSU Institute for Energy Systems, Economics and Sustainability (IESES) Center of Excellence with a focus in the area of energy economy and policy. In the area of the environment, she has conducted research on the economic impacts of climate change and sea level rise in Florida, and is completing a study on the Goliath Grouper. She serves as a member on the “Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change” on the Cap and Trade (C&T) Technical Working Group. Her research in Education has focused primarily in higher education ranging from the economic impact analyses of university research, and centers and institutes, to community colleges in Florida. She will be overseeing the Innovation and Economic Opportunities Office newly formed within the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-propulsion (FCAAP) Center of Excellence, with an emphasis on economic analysis, marketing, training and outreach, in an effort to increase awareness regarding the fields of aerospace/aviation in Florida. Her previous research has included survey and economic analysis of high tech firms, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and measuring the new economy index among MSAs, in Florida. Previous research in the area of energy has focused on superconducting materials and renewable/sustainable “green” energy products. She also performs economic analysis of utilities ranging from wastewater treatment options to cable networks. Regarding economic development, she has performed economic impact analysis of numerous companies (Turbocor, Honda Dayjet, among others) that are start ups, relocating or expanding operations in Florida.