Pamela Herd

Pamela Herd is the Carol Kakalec Kohn Professor of Social Policy and a faculty associate at the Institute for Social Research Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan. She co-leads the General Social Survey, contributes to the Wisconsin Longitudinal Survey, and chairs the NIH Data Advisory Board for the National Study of Adolescent Health.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Sociology from Syracuse University
• BA in Sociology from Colby College

Her research examines inequality’s intersection with health, aging, and policy, alongside administrative burden in accessing government benefits. Her book Administrative Burden, Policymaking by Other Means has driven policy reforms and media engagement.

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Public Engagement in Health Policy Award (American Political Science Association)
• Kohl Award
• AARP Innovation Award
• Wilder School Award for Scholarship in Social Equity in Public Policy Analysis

She collaborates with the Better Government Lab and Kohn Collaborative for Social Policy, focusing on digital innovations and inclusive societal reforms.