ReSearching for the Common Good: Branden Moore

April 15, 2026

As an interdisciplinary academic institute, the Institute for Social Concerns leverages research to respond to the complex demands of justice and to serve the common good. This series, ReSearching for the Common Good, highlights some of the scholars in our community.

branden moore

Branden Moore is a second-year MBA student at the Mendoza College of Business and a 2025–26 Graduate Justice Fellow at the Institute for Social Concerns. 

What is the focus of your current research?

My research examines investment strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Africana context, encompassing the African continent as well as the global diaspora. I am exploring how business and economic frameworks can be leveraged as instruments for poverty alleviation and social mobility. My work aims to equip individuals with the financial agency and technical knowledge necessary to utilize local resources for sustainable self-determination. By investigating how capital can be deployed as a tool for empowerment rather than just profit, I hope to bridge the gap between global commerce and local sustainability, ensuring that economic growth remains both inclusive and culturally grounded.

How did you get interested in this topic?

My interest began with a personal exploration of my heritage, which led to travels across Egypt, South Africa, and Botswana. These experiences sparked a vision for a business model that connects the United States and Africa through substantive commerce, moving beyond purely cultural exchange. This interest was further solidified during the Business on the Frontlines course in my MBA program. My team provided social impact consulting for a vocational school in Northern Uganda, where we focused on leveraging existing local assets to drive economic prosperity. Witnessing business acumen applied to real-world challenges in post-conflict regions convinced me that my background in corporate finance and real estate could serve as a powerful vehicle for international development and partnership.

How has being a Graduate Justice Fellow impacted your research?

The fellowship has been instrumental in allowing me to move beyond the traditional business school silo and integrating me into an interdisciplinary cohort of Ph.D. and law students who offer diverse intellectual perspectives. Engaging with their research and the various approaches to justice championed by the Institute for Social Concerns has fundamentally shifted my own analytical framework. These dialogues challenge me to view my work through a moral and ethical lens, transforming my research into a contribution to a much broader, multidimensional conversation about systemic justice.

How do you view your research as advancing the common good?

My research promotes the common good by shifting the developmental narrative from one of charity to one of agency. While humanitarian aid is often vital, it can inadvertently foster cycles of dependency; my goal is to foster collaborative partnerships that prioritize long-term sustainability. For instance, my work explores the importance of local equity and manufacturing—such as utilizing local salt pans for IV fluid production—to bolster regional supply chains. By championing business development and economic empowerment, we help communities build resilience against global volatility, such as fluctuating food prices. Ultimately, I view my research as a means of directing resources toward high-impact areas to create a ripple effect of economic freedom and dignity.

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