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.
Director of Finance, J-PAL Global
Cindy Smith joined J-PAL in November 2022 and directs its administrative and financial functions. She serves as the chief administrative and financial officer for the J-PAL head office (Global) based at MIT in Cambridge and also provides advice, guidance and mentoring to the seven regional CFOs worldwide. Previously, Cindy spent 20 years at Harvard University in various Administration and Finance Director roles. She has international experience living in Ireland, as well as extended work-related travel to Belgium and Israel working with many international partners and European donor governments.
Cindy holds a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a certificate in the Leadership in Action Program from Harvard University.