Ashlyn Aiko Nelson

Ashlyn Aiko Nelson is an Associate Professor at Indiana University's Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, with courtesy appointments in Economics and Education Leadership and Policy Studies. She joined the faculty in 2009 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University's Center for Education Policy Analysis.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Economics of Education (2005) and M.A. in Economics (2003) from Stanford University, and dual bachelor's degrees in Economics (summa cum laude) and Business Administration (magna cum laude) from the University of Southern California (2001).

Nelson's research centers on the intersection of housing markets and education systems, with rigorous econometric analysis of inequality drivers. She examines how financial institutions, housing policies, and school finance mechanisms perpetuate or alleviate educational disparities, driven by a commitment to social justice and evidence-based policy solutions.

Her publication record (2009-2014) reveals a consistent focus on systemic inequities, bridging housing economics and education policy through interdisciplinary methodologies. Key contributions analyze school-supporting nonprofits, local fiscal responses to education funding crises, and the mortgage-education outcome nexus.

Nelson's scientific recognition includes:

• MacArthur and NSF research grants totaling over $1.4 million
• O'Neill Teaching Award for Graduate Instruction (2011)
• Western Finance Association's Analysis Group Award (2010)
• Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Scholar designation
• Edu-Scholar Public Presence Ranking (2013)

Her research funding demonstrates strong support from major foundations, while her editorial board service at the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management reflects scholarly impact. Prior industry experience as Assistant Vice President at Bank of America and high school teaching in Los Angeles Unified School District informs her pragmatic policy approach.

Nelson maintains active engagement with policy communities through the Center for Responsible Lending and American Council on Consumer Interests, translating research into actionable insights for educational and housing justice initiatives.