Dr. Katharina Lenner is a Lecturer in Social and Policy Sciences at the University of Bath and Director of Studies for BSc International Development with Economics. Her research focuses on the politics of development, social protection, and migration governance, particularly in Jordan and the Middle East. Research examines: Refugee labor integration policies Gender and economic participation Humanitarian-development policy interfaces Evaluation of poverty alleviation programs
Daniel Friend, PhD, is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago's School of Public Health. He is also a Principal Researcher at Mathematica, where he leads implementation studies and rapid-cycle evaluations for human services programs serving children and families in poverty. His research interests focus on improving program effectiveness through evidence-based implementation. Key areas include: Implementation Science and the Learn, Innovate, Improve (LI Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education programs Responsible Fatherhood initiatives Two-generation (2-Gen) service models integrating education, employment, and social support Family violence prevention and treatment Technical assistance and stakeholder engagement in public health Dr. Friend's work bridges clinical practice and policy research, emphasizing real-world impact in underserved communities. Although no specific publications are listed, his project leadership suggests a strong focus on applied public health research, evaluation methodology, and social determinants of health. His scientific contributions are recognized through active project leadership rather than formal awards listed here. Dr. Friend provides mentorship and academic guidance as part of his adjunct role. He contributes to research grants and projects such as the Strengthening the Implementation of Healthy Marriage and Relationship Programs and the Agape 2-Gen Program Evaluation, which involve multi-agency collaboration, data collection, analysis, and technical assistance. These projects reflect substantial grant-supported work in social and public health policy. He is involved in research teams at Mathematica and collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and foundations to improve program delivery and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Eugénia Gambôa is an Invited Assistant Professor at the Institute for Political Studies, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (since 2005) and Universidade Católica da Beira in Mozambique (since 2010). She holds a degree in International Relations from Universidade Lusíada, and an M.A. and PhD in Political Science from the Institute for Political Studies at UCP. Her expertise lies in public policy, political analysis, and education policy. She has served as Coordinator for the B.A. in Political Science and International Relations (2000–2011) and managed advanced training programs (2002–2011). Currently, she advises the Social Democratic Party in Portugal’s Parliament on education and science policy. Previously, she was Deputy and Political Advisor to the Minister of Education and Science (2011–2015). Her research focuses on public policies, family dynamics, and social issues. Key publications include Família e Políticas Públicas (2004) and articles in Nova Cidadania . She contributed to political discourse as a columnist in i (2008–2009) and appeared frequently as a media analyst (2010–2011). Her work bridges academic research with practical governance, emphasizing policy impact and societal challenges. Her advisory roles reflect her commitment to applying academic insights to real-world policy-making, particularly in education and science sectors. She remains active in both academia and political spheres, advocating for evidence-based approaches to public issues.
Mark Alan Hughes is a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania's Stuart Weitzman School of Design and serves as the Faculty Director of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. He holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Political Science. His work bridges academia and public policy, focusing on energy policy, urban sustainability, and regional development. Dr. Hughes earned his BA from Swarthmore College (1981) and PhD in Regional Science from the University of Pennsylvania (1986). Research & Roles: Hughes leads initiatives such as the Energy Efficient Buildings Hub at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and advises federal agencies on energy transitions. His research emphasizes climate policy, urban energy systems, and equitable development. He previously served as Chief Policy Adviser to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, designing the city's Greenworks sustainability plan and managing $159 million in federal energy grants. Awards: National Planning Award (1992) for Urban Employment Growth Patterns in Nine Large Metropolitan Areas . Key Projects: Philadelphia's Recovery Strategy under the 2009 ARRA, the Transitional Work Corporation welfare-to-work program, and the National Bridges-to-Work Demonstration. His academic affiliations include the Penn Institute for Urban Research, Wharton's Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership, and the Fox Leadership Program. Hughes has held senior roles at Brookings Institution and the Ford Foundation, advising on urban policy, equity, and regional governance.
Sandra Susan Smith is the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Professor of Criminal Justice at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), a Professor of Sociology at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), and the Carol K. Pforzheimer Professor at the Radcliffe Institute. She serves as Faculty Director of the Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management (PCJ) at HKS. Her research focuses on urban poverty, joblessness, social networks, and criminal justice system reforms, with a focus on racial disparities and pretrial detention impacts. Smith holds a B.A. in History-Sociology from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago. She has held visiting roles at Stanford’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences and the Russell Sage Foundation. Her recent work analyzes racial disparities in law enforcement experiences (e.g., Boston residents’ distrust in policing), pretrial detention effects on employment, and the social costs of electronic monitoring. She advises numerous organizations, including Arnold Ventures, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, and the Misdemeanor Justice Project. Smith has also contributed to policy briefs on bail reform, ban-the-box legislation, and workforce development. Her service includes leadership roles in the American Sociological Association (ASA), editorial roles at journals like the American Sociological Review, and advisory positions for initiatives like the Executive Session on Community Corrections.
Anne Beauvallet is a Lecturer at the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS), University of Toulouse – Jean Jaurès, where she teaches British civilization and economic civilization. Her academic work centers on education policy and social issues in the United Kingdom, particularly England. Research Interests: Her research spans British education policy across multiple political eras, including Thatcherism, the Major and Brown governments, and the Con-Lib coalition. She investigates citizenship education, teachers' unions, school meals, truancy, anti-social behavior, and the socio-political dimensions of education. Her work often compares policy developments across the UK’s four nations and analyzes historical continuities and shifts in educational governance. Publication Trends: Her publications from 2009 to 2024 reflect a sustained focus on the political and social dimensions of British education. Recent work emphasizes contemporary challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on education and current debates over relationships education and educational inequality. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges history, political science, and educational studies, frequently published in French journals on British society. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: The provided texts do not mention any students, advising roles, or research grants. Research Environment: She is affiliated with the Centre for Anglophone Studies (CAS), a research unit at the University of Toulouse – Jean Jaurès, which supports interdisciplinary research on English-speaking countries. She collaborates with scholars across France and participates in national and international academic discussions on British studies.
Anandi Mani is Professor of Behavioural Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. She is a leading scholar in development economics, with a focus on the behavioural dimensions of poverty, gender inequality, and public policy. Her research has been widely published in top-tier journals and featured in major media outlets such as the BBC, The New York Times , and The Guardian . She holds affiliations as a Research Affiliate at Ideas42 (Harvard University), a Fellow at the Centre for Comparative Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE) at the University of Warwick, and a Member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. Professor of Behavioural Economics and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford Research Affiliate, Ideas42, Harvard University Fellow, CAGE, University of Warwick Member, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton Member, World Economic Forum Global Council on the Future of Behavioral Sciences Her research explores how scarcity—particularly financial scarcity—affects cognitive bandwidth and decision-making, drawing on field studies with sugarcane farmers in India and drought-affected farmers in Brazil. She investigates how poverty creates a 'scarcity mindset' that impairs long-term planning and perpetuates cycles of disadvantage. Her work also examines gender gaps in political participation, showing how women are underrepresented not only in elected office but in the preparatory stages of political engagement such as networking and civic involvement. The body of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating behavioural insights into development policy, with a focus on designing interventions that account for cognitive limitations under scarcity. Her articles span topics including cash transfer programs, stigma among sex workers, household investment decisions, and the psychological effects of poverty. This body of work underscores a consistent theme: structural inequalities are not only economic but cognitive and social, requiring multidimensional policy responses. Her scientific recognition includes participation in the World Economic Forum at Davos and membership in its Global Council on Behavioral Sciences. Her research has influenced public discourse on poverty, with features in The New York Times and BBC programs like The Why Factor , which highlighted her findings on how scarcity damages decision-making. Programme participant, World Economic Forum 2017, Davos Member, Global Council on the Future of Behavioral Sciences, WEF Anandi Mani advises on policy-relevant research and has collaborated extensively with international organizations and think tanks such as the International Growth Centre and Ideas42. She teaches courses in development economics, behavioural economics, and public policy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work continues to shape the understanding of how psychological factors interact with economic conditions to influence individual and societal outcomes. She leads research on interventions that smooth income volatility and reduce cognitive load among the poor, and her lab collaborates with policymakers to scale evidence-based solutions. Her team emphasizes experimental methods and real-world applicability, often working in low- and middle-income countries to test and refine public policies.
Julien Labonne is an Associate Professor in Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. His research focuses on political economy in developing countries, particularly the Philippines, with an emphasis on clientelism, electoral politics, and social networks. He employs field experiments, household surveys, and large-scale data to analyze voter and politician behavior. Julien also serves as the DPhil Coordinator at the Blavatnik School, overseeing doctoral studies. University: University of Oxford School: Blavatnik School of Government Academic Rank: Associate Professor Email: julien.labonne@bsg.ox.ac.uk Julien Labonne completed his PhD in Economics at the University of Oxford and holds master’s degrees from Oxford, University College London, and ENSAE Paris Tech. Prior to Oxford, he was an Assistant Professor at Yale-NUS College in Singapore. He has also worked at the World Bank and consulted for the Asia Foundation, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the OECD. His research interests include political economy, clientelism, electoral behavior, social networks, and governance in developing countries. He conducts field experiments to understand how information affects voting behavior and how political dynasties influence representation, particularly in the Philippines. His work explores how voters respond to policy platforms versus personal connections, and how NGOs and governments can shift electoral incentives toward better governance. The trend in Julien Labonne’s recent publications shows a strong focus on empirical political economy, particularly in Southeast Asia. His work combines rigorous experimental methods with deep contextual understanding of local politics. Key themes include political dynasties, clientelism, voter information campaigns, and public service delivery. His research often involves collaboration with international institutions and uses randomized field experiments to assess causal impacts of policy interventions. Julien Labonne has not been publicly recognized with scientific awards in the provided texts. However, his work has been published in top-tier journals such as the American Political Science Review , Economic Journal , and Journal of Development Economics , indicating high scholarly impact. Julien Labonne has advised or collaborated with several researchers and students, though no formal list of advisees is provided. His research has been supported through collaborations with institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank and the Evidence in Governance & Politics (EGAP) network. He has organized policy panels and engaged with policymakers in Washington, highlighting the policy relevance of his work. He also contributes to academic discourse through publications and public engagement. Julien Labonne is part of a collaborative research team involving scholars from the University of British Columbia and the Inter-American Development Bank. He works closely with a local NGO in the Philippines to implement voter information campaigns during elections. His research is conducted under the auspices of the Blavatnik School of Government and is connected to broader networks such as the Centre for the Study of African Economies at Oxford, reflecting interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
Nusrat Abedin Jimi is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics at Vassar College since 2021. He holds a BS and MS from the University of Dhaka, and an MA and PhD from SUNY at Binghamton. His research focuses on development economics, education policy, poverty alleviation, and agricultural economics. He has conducted extensive work on topics such as women-owned enterprise representation, returns to schooling in South Africa, and the impact of credit programs on productivity. Education: BS, University of Dhaka MA, SUNY at Binghamton MS, University of Dhaka PhD, SUNY at Binghamton Research Interests: Dr. Jimi’s work emphasizes understanding barriers to economic development in low-income regions. He examines how education systems, credit access, and agricultural practices influence poverty reduction and entrepreneurship. His studies often use survey data to analyze policy implications for marginalized populations such as slum dwellers and ultra-poor rural households in Bangladesh and Tanzania. Grants & Advising: No specific grants or student advisees listed in the provided text. Labs/Teams: No research lab affiliations explicitly mentioned.
Robert McMaster is Professor of Political Economy in the Management department at the University of Glasgow's Adam Smith Business School, a position he has held since 2012. Previously, he served as Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow (2007-2010) and as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Aberdeen for fourteen years. He maintains visiting scholar positions at University of Missouri at Kansas City and Marquette University, Milwaukee, reflecting his international academic standing and collaborative approach to research. Professor McMaster's research expertise spans institutional economics, social economics, and the political economy of healthcare. His work critically examines mainstream economic approaches to healthcare provision, governance of public services, and social welfare systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding care economics, economic democracy, and the social determinants of health, frequently challenging conventional economic thinking through a Veblenian and institutionalist lens that emphasizes social relations and power dynamics in economic processes. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the intersection of political economy, health systems, and social justice. McMaster's scholarship shows a clear trajectory from theoretical institutional economics toward applied policy analysis, with growing emphasis on contemporary challenges including pandemic responses, healthcare financialization, economic democracy, and care infrastructure in urban settings. His work increasingly addresses practical solutions for social and economic inequality through interdisciplinary collaboration. While specific advising roles aren't detailed in the provided information, Professor McMaster's extensive publication record with numerous co-authors suggests active mentorship of junior researchers. His involvement in substantial research projects, including multi-institutional collaborations on economic democracy and health policy, indicates successful grant acquisition and engagement with policy-oriented research funding from organizations like the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and Open Society Foundations.
Pushkar Jha is a Professor of Strategic Management and Director of Postgraduate Research Studies at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London. He holds a PhD (Strategic Management) from City University of London, an MPhil (Data Modelling) from Newcastle University, and a PGDRM (equivalent to MBA) from IRMA, India. His research focuses on strategic learning, innovation, sustainable development, employee ownership, and project management. Notable contributions include shaping UK government policies on employee-owned businesses through collaborations with the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and John Lewis Partnerships. His work has been recognized with awards from the Academy of Management and Chartered Management Institute. Teaching and supervision areas include Strategic Management, Leadership, Project Management, and Poverty Alleviation contexts. He has held leadership roles such as Director of Postgraduate Research at Northumbria University, and led initiatives enhancing research and teaching capabilities. He supervises doctoral candidates in innovation-strategy-sustainability intersections. External engagements include serving as an external examiner for Bayes Business School (Global MBA), Sheffield University, and Manipal India. He has held visiting faculty roles at Bayes Business School and IIM Rohtak. As an academic scholar with the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT), he explores migration and diaspora issues globally. His research outputs span journals like Academy of Management Perspectives , Research Policy , and International Journal of Project Management . Key themes include organizational resilience, innovation ecosystems, and policy-influencing studies on sustainable development and migration.
Jonathan Robinson is a Professor of Economics and Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His research focuses on development economics, particularly through field experiments in rural Africa, with an emphasis on agricultural households and policy interventions. His work examines topics such as cash transfers, digital credit, market access, and the impacts of technological and informational interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Robinson has collaborated extensively with institutions and researchers across multiple African countries, including Malawi, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. His studies often involve randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at improving agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, and household resilience. Notable areas of inquiry include the dynamics of cash transfer programs, measurement of intimate partner violence, and the role of communication in technology adoption. His publications span journals such as the American Economic Journal , Review of Economics and Statistics , and Journal of Development Economics , reflecting his contributions to understanding behavioral biases, savings constraints, and governance challenges in developing economies. Ongoing projects include experiments linking farmers’ cooperatives to maize processors in Rwanda and evaluating the impact of TV programming on agricultural productivity in Zambia. Robinson’s work bridges theoretical economic models with real-world applications, emphasizing evidence-based policy recommendations for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Ohiro Oni-Eseleh is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Master’s in Social Work program at the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). He previously served as Assistant Dean for Program Development and Community Engagement at Adelphi University’s School of Social Work (2021–2023) and Director of Adelphi’s Hudson Valley Center (2015–present). His academic journey includes adjunct roles at Adelphi and extensive healthcare management experience. Education: PhD in Social Work (Adelphi, 2021), MBA (TUI University, 2008), MSW (Adelphi, 1993), BA (University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1983). Research focuses on social work’s role in poverty reduction, marginalized group advocacy, eldercare, and healthcare-nurse collaboration. He has published in journals like International Journal of Research in Business, Economics and Management and American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine . Notable contributions include anti-racism initiatives, policy forums for underserved communities, and grant-funded programs. Grants: Led $1.35M in funding including Dyson Foundation grants ($110K) and New York Community Trust ($1.25M). Advocated equity/diversity through leadership roles such as co-chair of Adelphi’s Anti-Racism Taskforce and member of the University’s Diversity Implementation Team. Developed mentorship programs, alumni networks, and expanded internship opportunities for students.
Hermínia Júlia de Castro Fernandes Gonçalves is a Professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), serving as Director of the Degree in Social Work and a member of the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences. She holds dual PhDs with distinction: one in Social Work from ISCTE-IUL and another in Sociology from the University of Salamanca. Her research focuses on social policies, sustainable development, governance, and community-based interventions. Education includes advanced studies in Sociology, a Master’s in Rural Development, and a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Key areas of expertise include municipal decentralization, multilevel governance, poverty reduction strategies, and solidarity economy models. Her work spans national and international projects such as LEARNVIL (education for rural transformation), SYMBIOS (demographic crisis and inclusion), and ASAS (sustainable villages). Awards include distinctions in both her PhD programs and contributions to social science research. Gonçalves has coordinated initiatives like the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN-Núcleo de Vila Real) and served as a Social Judge for minors. Her publications emphasize sustainable communities, civic participation, and policy analysis, with a focus on Latin America and European transnational collaboration.
Dan Levy is a Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), specializing in quantitative methods, policy analysis, and program evaluation. He co-founded SLATE, an initiative to strengthen teaching excellence, and the Public Leadership Credential, HKS's flagship online learning program. His research focuses on evaluating social programs in education, health, and welfare, with notable projects in Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Jamaica. Levy holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Northwestern University and has conducted extensive work with organizations like JPAL, CID, and the Ash Center. He has authored influential books on teaching with technology, including Teaching Effectively with ChatGPT and Teaching Effectively with Zoom . His consulting spans global institutions such as the World Bank and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, emphasizing evidence-based policy. Levy’s teaching innovations, including blended learning and the Teachly platform, aim to enhance inclusivity and engagement. He has received awards for teaching excellence and serves on various advisory boards, contributing to policy and education reform worldwide.
