Elizabeth Rigby

Elizabeth Rigby is an Associate Professor at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, George Washington University. Her research focuses on the intersection of politics, policy, and social inequality, including studies on poverty representation in state legislatures, public opinion on health disparities, and federal health care reform dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. (with distinction) in Politics and Education from Columbia University and completed post-doctoral training as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar.

• Education:
• Ph.D. in Politics and Education, Columbia University, 2005
• Postdoctoral training at University of Wisconsin-Madison (Health and Society Scholar)

Her work emphasizes policy design, federalism, and health equity. Recent research explores racial equity frameworks, policymaker attitudes toward reparations, and the role of public opinion in shaping redistributive policies. Rigby has contributed to analyses of ACA implementation and the interplay between economic policy and public health outcomes.

• Awards:
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar (postdoctoral)
• Columbia University Ph.D. distinction

Her grants and advisory roles involve bridging academic research with legislative advocacy, particularly in health policy contexts. Rigby’s lab focuses on translating policy analysis into actionable strategies for reducing inequality.