Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at Notre Dame

Background

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is a research center within the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame, dedicated to reducing domestic poverty through evidence-based programs and policies. Established in 2012, LEO collaborates with service providers to conduct rigorous evaluations that identify effective interventions for poverty alleviation. The lab's mission is to match top researchers with passionate leaders in social service agencies to conduct impact evaluations that identify innovative, effective, and scalable programs and policies that help people move permanently out of poverty.

Key Strategic Focus

LEO's strategic focus centers on partnering with service providers to evaluate and enhance programs aimed at reducing poverty. The lab specializes in conducting impact evaluations across various domains, including education, health, housing, criminal justice, and self-sufficiency. By leveraging scientific evaluation methods, LEO seeks to understand and disseminate effective poverty interventions.

Financials and Funding

LEO has secured significant funding to support its mission. In 2024, the Wilson Sheehan Foundation made a $15 million gift to endow the lab, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Additionally, in 2026, the lab received a $10 million donation to fund two new faculty positions and expand its Social Innovation Fund, which supports pilot projects and scaling of effective anti-poverty programs.

Pipeline Development

LEO is involved in over 100 projects nationwide, focusing on various aspects of poverty reduction. These projects encompass areas such as housing and homelessness, health, criminal justice, education, and self-sufficiency. The lab collaborates with service providers to design and implement research approaches that are both rigorous and respectful of the individuals involved.

Technological Platform and Innovation

LEO employs advanced research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to assess the effectiveness of poverty interventions. The lab's interdisciplinary approach combines expertise from economics, social sciences, and public policy to develop innovative solutions for poverty alleviation. By integrating data-driven insights, LEO informs the design and implementation of programs that aim to move individuals and families out of poverty.

Leadership Team

LEO is led by a team of distinguished scholars and professionals:

William Evans: Keough-Hesburgh Professor of Economics and LEO Co-founder. He specializes in health economics and the economics of education.

James Sullivan: Rev. Thomas J. McDonagh, C.S.C., Associate Professor of Economics and LEO Co-founder. His research focuses on poverty measurement, inequality, and the economic impact of welfare and tax policy.

Heather Reynolds: Michael L. Smith Managing Director. She oversees the lab's operations and strategic initiatives.

Rachel Fulcher Dawson: Senior Associate Director of Policy and Impact. She leads efforts to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

David Phillips: Research Professor of Economics and LEO Director of Research. He directs the lab's research agenda and partnerships.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

LEO collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including:

Catholic Charities USA: A national network of agencies providing social services to individuals and families in need.

Goodwill Industries: A network of nonprofit organizations that provide job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs.

Pulte Institute for Global Development: An institute at the University of Notre Dame focused on global development and poverty reduction.

These partnerships enhance LEO's capacity to implement and evaluate effective poverty interventions across various communities.

Operational Insights

LEO's collaborative approach, combining academic research with practical implementation, distinguishes it in the field of poverty research. By working closely with service providers and policymakers, the lab ensures that its findings are directly applicable and can lead to tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and families affected by poverty.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, LEO aims to expand its research portfolio to address emerging issues related to poverty, such as the economic impacts of climate change and technological advancements. The lab plans to strengthen its partnerships with local and national organizations to scale successful interventions and influence policy decisions that promote economic mobility and self-sufficiency.