Zachary Bleemer

Zachary Bleemer is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Princeton University's Industrial Relations Section and a Faculty Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He is also affiliated with Opportunity Insights and the Center for Studies in Higher Education. His research focuses on labor economics, particularly the intersections of higher education, economic inequality, and public policy.

Key research areas include the evolution of college access and returns for lower-income Americans, the impact of college major restrictions on underrepresented minority students, and the long-term effects of affirmative action policies. Notable works include analyses of UC admissions policies, the dynamics of collegiate regressivity, and the role of federal disaster insurance in post-Katrina recovery. His book *Metrics that Matter* critiques common higher education metrics and their societal implications.

Bleemer collaborates extensively with institutions like NBER and Opportunity Insights, contributing to policy-relevant studies on education equity, economic mobility, and institutional value-added assessments. His work has been featured in major media outlets including *The New York Times*, *The Atlantic*, and *Vox*.

• Policy Engagement: Advised on admissions policies, college major regulations, and disaster response frameworks.
• Labs/Teams: Active in Opportunity Insights’ educational equity initiatives and the UC ClioMetric History Project.