Michael D. Farren is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. His research focuses on the effects of government favoritism toward particular businesses, industries and occupations, and he specializes in labor, economic development and transportation issues.

Farren has testified before state legislatures and his research and commentary have been featured in numerous media outlets, including the The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News and National Public Radio. He blogs about economics and economic policy at Concentrated Benefits.

Farren earned his doctorate in applied economics at Ohio State University and was awarded the Mercatus Center's Frédéric Bastiat Fellowship. He is also licensed as a professional engineer and received his master's in transportation engineering and a bachelor's in civil engineering from Ohio State University.