Lisa Abraham

Lisa Abraham is an Economist at RAND Corporation and a Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy. Her research focuses on labor market outcomes with emphasis on underrepresented groups, examining how information impacts decision-making in consumer and labor markets, and analyzing the policy implications of artificial intelligence.

Her research interests span labor economics, gender and racial equity in the workplace, entrepreneurship, and workforce diversity. Abraham's work consistently examines disparities across demographic groups, particularly focusing on how early career choices impact long-term wage trajectories, gender differences in performance evaluations, and barriers faced by minority and female entrepreneurs in the digital economy. Her research methodology combines longitudinal data analysis, experimental approaches, and policy evaluation to address pressing labor market issues.

Abraham's publications reveal a strong trend toward examining intersectional disparities in labor markets, with increasing focus on how digital platforms reshape entrepreneurship opportunities. Her recent work demonstrates growing interest in the impact of AI on labor markets and the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups in various economic sectors. The research shows methodological diversity, employing both quantitative analysis of large datasets and experimental approaches.

Her professional background includes service as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy at the Treasury Department and experience as an investment banking analyst at J.P. Morgan, providing practical context to her academic research.

Abraham's educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University (2020), an MSc in Economics and Management from the London School of Economics, and a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Wellesley College. Her work has addressed regional economic issues in California, Ohio, and other U.S. regions, with particular attention to Los Angeles County's homeless response sector and manufacturing workforce development.