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Brett Fischer is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the California Policy Lab at UC Berkeley where his role centers on research design and implementation.

Brett’s work at CPL mirrors his academic research, which uses applied microeconomic methods to better understand how to make more equitable public policy, particularly in education and criminal justice.

An economist by training, his overarching goal is to translate nuanced policy questions into actionable insights. He conducts analyses on a range of topics. These include measuring and improving the take-up of anti-poverty tax credits; understanding the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic; and evaluating pre-trial interventions for criminal defendants. As a native Californian, he enjoys using data to shed light on the gaps–and opportunities–that this complex but remarkable state currently faces.

Brett holds a PhD and MA in economics from the University of Virginia as well as BAs in economics, English literature, and mathematics from Arizona State University. Outside of work, Brett is an enthusiastic reader, runner, and traveler.