Challey Spotlight: Nicholas Orlando, MPIA

Nicholas Orlando, MPIA

Challey Research Specialist

Nicholas Orlando brings a global perspective and a deep curiosity about the intersection of policy, economics, and institutional design to his work as a Research Specialist at the Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth. With academic roots in global affairs and international economics, Nicholas has consistently sought to understand how rules, incentives, and institutions shape individual choices and broader social outcomes.

Academic and Global Foundations
Nicholas began his academic journey at George Mason University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs with a minor in Economics. His interest in international development and governance was further shaped by a summer abroad in Spain and by a fellowship with the Joseph Schumpeter program, where he explored how culture and institutions influence economic outcomes. He later earned a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, where he concentrated in international economics and further developed his skills in quantitative research and policy analysis.

His academic experience reflects a desire to engage both theoretical and applied questions. Courses on trade, sanctions, and political economy gave Nicholas a robust understanding of global systems, while hands-on research sharpened his ability to translate economic ideas into practical solutions.

Professional Experience and Policy Focus
Before joining the Challey Institute, Nicholas held research and policy roles that spanned think tanks, government, and the private sector. At the Center for Governance and Markets, he supported scholars working on institutional development and regulatory challenges. In Dubai, he completed a competitive internship with Amentum, where he analyzed workplace trends in the post-pandemic world. His earlier roles with the U.S. Department of State and the Mercatus Center exposed him to a range of economic and public policy issues, strengthening his skills in research communication and event coordination.

At Challey, Nicholas focuses on state and regional economic policy, with a particular emphasis on workforce challenges. His research examines barriers to employment and mobility, such as restrictive occupational licensing rules. It explores how North Dakota can attract and retain talent by creating a more flexible and opportunity-rich environment. He is also examining the role of legal immigration in addressing labor shortages and how foreign investment intersects with both economic growth and national security concerns.

Research Philosophy and Communication
Nicholas is committed to producing research that not only informs but also engages. He believes that translating technical insights into accessible, actionable ideas is essential to creating meaningful policy change. His work includes public-facing writing, including op-eds and policy briefs, that aim to elevate key issues in North Dakota’s economic landscape and spark dialogue among citizens and decision-makers.

Looking Ahead
As he continues his work at the Challey Institute, Nicholas is eager to explore more comparative research, examining how other states or countries have addressed similar challenges, and to deepen his understanding of regulatory design and local governance. He’s especially interested in questions at the intersection of economic freedom, institutional trust, and prosperity.

For Nicholas, the most rewarding aspect of this work is the opportunity to help shape policy that expands opportunities, particularly in places often overlooked in national conversations. Whether analyzing licensing laws or writing about workforce trends, he sees his role as contributing to a broader effort to ensure that more people have the freedom and ability to flourish.

The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth aims to advance understanding in the areas of innovation, trade, institutions, and human potential to identify policies and solutions that enhance economic growth and opportunity. Learn more at www.ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute