Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy is proud to announce the appointment of Laura R. Peck, Ph.D., as Associate Professor, effective September 1, 2025. Dr. Peck will also serve as a Principal Faculty Fellow at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, housed within the Bloustein School.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Peck to the Bloustein School,” said Stuart Shapiro, Ph.D., Dean and Professor. “Her deep expertise in social policy, including workforce development, will not only enrich our academic environment but also help drive innovative research at both the Bloustein School and the Heldrich Center.”
Dr. Peck brings an impressive track record of leadership and scholarship. Most recently, she was a Principal Scientist at MEF Associates, where she led the firm’s Income Security and Economic Mobility portfolio. Her work spanned critical areas, including food and housing assistance, safety net services, economic security, and workforce and postsecondary education.
A nationally recognized expert in program evaluation, Dr. Peck specializes in designing experimental and quasi-experimental studies to measure the real-world impact of public programs. Her research has shaped evidence-based policy across sectors — from education and employment to housing and income support.
She currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Evaluation and has held prior leadership roles at Abt Associates, including Principal Scientist and Global Director for Research, and Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Associate Dean of Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University. Dr. Peck holds an M.P.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from New York University.
“I’m honored to join the Bloustein School and the Heldrich Center,” said Dr. Peck. “I look forward to collaborating with their vibrant communities of scholars, students, and policy professionals committed to driving meaningful change.”
Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Director of the Heldrich Center and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers, added, “Dr. Peck brings extraordinary knowledge and energy to our team. We’re excited to work with her on groundbreaking research and policy initiatives.”
The Bloustein School is a national leader in planning and public policy education, offering top-ranked programs in urban planning, public policy, public health, health administration, and public informatics.
The Heldrich Center produces cutting-edge research and forward-thinking strategies to enhance job creation, worker skills, and the overall effectiveness of the workforce development system.