Ricky Feir is a Research Specialist for the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education with a primary emphasis in History and a secondary emphasis in Economics at MSUM, and will earn his master’s degree in Applied Economics from NDSU upon defending his thesis this Spring. He has worked as a high school economics, government, and history teacher for five years at Moorhead High School. As a research specialist, he is responsible for shedding light on issues affecting the region and communicating those findings with the public.