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 900 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.
Policy and Communications Manager, J-PAL North America
Laina Sonterblum is a Policy and Communications Manager at J-PAL North America. She supports the development and implementation of randomized evaluations and synthesizes research findings in order to promote evidence-based social programs and policies.
Laina is a licensed social worker with direct-practice and policy experience in various fields including criminal justice, intimate partner violence, homelessness, education, and child welfare. Prior to joining J-PAL, Laina provided counseling and advocacy to criminalized survivors of intimate partner violence. Laina is also an adjunct instructor of Social Welfare Policy and Services at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Laina earned her MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work and received her BS in Applied Psychology from New York University.