Lawrence Aber

J. Lawrence Aber is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Psychology and Public Policy at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and holds the title of University Professor at NYU. He also serves as Chair of the Institute of Human Development and Social Change and co-directs the Global TIES for Children research center. Dr. Aber earned his Ph.D. from Yale University and an A.B. from Harvard University. His research focuses on the impact of poverty, violence, and policy on child development, with a particular emphasis on conflict-affected regions and crisis intervention.

• Education: Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University, A.B. from Harvard University.
• Research Interests: Poverty, violence exposure, child development in crisis zones, social policy, and program evaluation.

Dr. Aber’s work spans global collaborations, including studies on HIV/AIDS in South Africa, preschool teacher training in Ghana, and interventions in conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo. His research emphasizes rigorous evaluation of programs addressing violence prevention, literacy, and welfare reform.

Key Awards:

• Paulette Goddard Professorship (NYU)
• University Professor (NYU)
• Nannerl O. Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professorship (Duke/UNC)

Dr. Aber advises governments, NGOs, and international bodies such as the World Bank and UNICEF. His advisory roles include the NYC Commission for Economic Opportunity and the Board of the Children’s Institute in South Africa. Recent research includes analyzing post-migration risks in Lebanon and the long-term effects of teacher training in Ghana.

Labs/Teams: Global TIES for Children, Institute of Human Development and Social Change, and collaborations with the International Rescue Committee and Innovations for Poverty Action.