Welcome! My name is Elizabeth Burland. I am a researcher in the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University, and Associate Director of Research for the Center for Education Policy Research States Leading States initiative.

I am a mixed-methods scholar, with expertise in quantitative methods for causal analysis and qualitative interview methods. My independent work investigates how interactions between individuals' social, economic, and institutional environments and the policy context contribute to (or reduce) inequality. Much of my current research focuses on how federal, state, and institutional policies may reduce the economic inequality and educational attainment. For example, in some of my work I use randomized, controlled trials to investigate how to design policies to reduce the barriers faced by students in selecting high quality postsecondary institutions, and then qualitative research aims to understand the factors and mechanisms shaping student college and career decisions. In other work, I investigate the role of administrative burdens on take-up of state-wide financial aid programs. My work has been funded by Arnold Ventures, the Spencer Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, the Smith Richardson Foundation, and the Institute of Education Sciences. 

Prior to my current role, I earned my PhD from the University of Michigan in Sociology and Public Policy. Prior to my current role, I was an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Connecticut's School of Public Policy. 

When I'm not working, I love to spend time outside working in my garden, hiking, or reading on the beach.