Jessica Shakesprere is a research associate in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute. She applies quantitative and qualitative methods, focusing on employment equity, place-based economic mobility, and public housing service delivery to support low-income families and marginalized youth. Shakesprere’s previous research and organizing experience includes trauma-informed community building and behavioral insights to mobilize social change.

Shakesprere holds a BS in biology and a BA in political science from the Ohio State University, where she graduated with honors and research distinction.