Social Policy Institute Welcomes Second Cohort of Doctoral Scholars

We’re thrilled to announce and welcome a new group of emerging leaders in policy research and translation to the JPMC Social Policy Research Scholars Program! This initiative, now in its second year, supports doctoral students from historically marginalized groups underrepresented in academia in their efforts to create a more inclusive, socially, racially, and economically just society.

Scholars join ongoing institute projects, access unique datasets, and participate in research collaborations to boost their doctoral studies and future careers, and each scholar has the chance to network with SPI faculty, staff, students, and an extensive affiliate network. Thanks to the generous support of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, scholars receive $2,500 stipends to support their research alongside their contributions to the program and the institute.

The scholars program is led by Dan Ferris, Associate Director of Training and Education at the Social Policy Institute and an Assistant Professor of Practice at the Brown School. “The scholars program is an incredible opportunity for faculty and peer mentorship, access to resources, and networking. We are committed to supporting scholars in their academic and professional pursuits and ensuring the benefits from participating extend far beyond the program year.”

The 2024 cohort includes three scholars who are dedicated to reducing inequality in social, economic, health, and education outcomes through evidence-informed policy and practice.

Ines de Pierola is a PhD student in Human Development and Family Studies at the Oregon State University. Her research focuses on inequalities and social policies, specifically policies that impact families. Currently, her focus is on examining paid family leave and childcare programs and their relationship with work, family, and economic outcomes.

Portia Nartey is a PhD student in Social Work at the Brown School in Washington University in St Louis. Her research focuses on using economic empowerment interventions to address the multilevel factors including poverty and gender norms undermining the socio-economic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women in low-resource settings in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Adeshola Akintobi is a PhD student in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship at the University of the District of Columbia. Her research focuses on exploring the intersection between education, law, and social justice, especially on the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in addressing systemic inequalities. Adeshola presented at the 16th Annual Krueckeberg Doctoral Conference in Urban Studies, Urban Planning, and Public Policy.