The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 1,000 researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
Our affiliated professors are based at over 120 universities and conduct randomized evaluations around the world to design, evaluate, and improve programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty. They set their own research agendas, raise funds to support their evaluations, and work with J-PAL staff on research, policy outreach, and training.
Our research, policy, and training work is fundamentally better when it is informed by a broad range of perspectives.
Senior Policy and Training Manager, J-PAL North America
Bridget Mercier is a Senior Policy and Training Manager at J-PAL North America. Her policy work focuses on promoting evidence-based strategies to make labor markets more equitable, efficient, and just. Bridget also leads J-PAL North America’s Training team, which builds the capacity of policymakers and practitioners to generate and use rigorous evidence to inform poverty alleviation efforts in their communities.
Prior to joining J-PAL, Bridget worked in local government for several years, holding leadership roles with the New York City Department of Education and the Los Angeles Unified School District. Bridget holds an MPA in public and nonprofit management and policy from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service and a BS in business administration from the University of New Hampshire.