Alden Barson

Research Associate

Why LEO?

"Poverty is relentless. As someone from a low-income background, I credit many of my opportunities and success to the generous community organizations that assisted me while growing up. Now it’s my turn to give back. LEO's evidence-based approach, coupled with its deep partnerships with local organizations, is the ultimate tool in creating meaningful change in the fight against poverty. I am honored to work alongside like-minded individuals who are passionate about serving one of the world’s most vulnerable populations."

Bio

Alden works directly with LEO faculty affiliate Melissa Kearney on the Strengthening Families initiative, a large-scale project aimed at promoting healthy family formation and supporting children from single parent families. He also assists various faculty in both LEO and the Notre Dame Population Center on all stages of the research process including data analysis, conducting literature reviews, and communicating with partner organizations. Alden graduated with a BA in Economics and minors in Math and Japanese from the University of Pennsylvania. He plans to attend graduate school to obtain a PhD in Economics with a research focus on economics of the family, monetary policy, and East Asian economies.