Wael Moussa, PhD

I am an applied economist focused on the intersection of education, labor markets, and economic mobility. My work is driven by a singular objective: generating the rigorous evidence required to prove that investments in the underserved produce measurable results where they are needed most.

I design and lead evaluations that address the 'how' and 'why' of human development by leveraging causal inference and applied econometrics to identify the specific interventions that dismantle barriers to opportunity. This technical focus is rooted in a personal understanding of how transformative targeted support can be; having seen firsthand how life trajectories are altered by access to resources, I view data as a tool for ensuring that those who are not afforded a shot are given one that is backed by proof.

My research spans the analysis of long-term education policy, workforce development pathways, and household resilience in both U.S. and international contexts. This involves translating complex analytical findings into actionable guidance for policy and decision makers. Regardless of the context, I am always asking the same question: what is the counterfactual?