Joelle Saad-Lessler

Joelle Saad-Lessler is an Industry Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Business, Stevens Institute of Technology. She holds a PhD in Economics from Columbia University (2003), an MA from Columbia University (1996), and a BA from Columbia College (1994). Her research focuses on retirement economics, labor market dynamics, and immigration economics, with notable work on retirement savings inequality and the impact of life events on financial resilience.

Education:

• PhD in Economics, Columbia University, 2003
• MA in Economics, Columbia University, 1996
• BA in Economics, Columbia College, 1994

Research Interests: Dr. Saad-Lessler’s work examines how labor market fluctuations, policy interventions, and socioeconomic factors shape retirement savings behavior. She has published extensively on topics such as job-to-job transitions, paid family leave policies, and the economic challenges faced by older unemployed workers. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges labor economics, public policy, and demographic analysis.

Grants & Professional Service: She has secured grants totaling over $250,000 from organizations like the National Endowment for Financial Education. She actively contributes to professional societies such as the American Economic Association (AEA) and the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA). Her institutional service spans 30+ committees at Stevens, including accreditation steering, curriculum design, and DEI initiatives.

Key Contributions: Her research on retirement insecurity among Generation X and the impact of student loan debt on retirement preparedness has influenced policy discussions. She co-authored pivotal reports like Retirement in America: Out of Reach for Working Americans? and The Forgotten Generation: Generation X Approaches Retirement.