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.
Research Associate, J-PAL North America
Caleb Smith is a Research Associate at J-PAL North America where he works on the Education team. He primarily provides research support to LEVI and other ongoing projects at J-PAL North America. Prior to joining J-PAL in 2024, he completed an AmeriCorps term of service as an educator and worked as an English Teacher in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Caleb holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in psychology and anthropology. During his undergraduate studies he worked in the Incarceration and Mental Health Lab in the Psychiatry Department supporting various research projects.