Jessica is a pre-doctoral research fellow in economics and public policy for the What Works Hub for Global Education Outcomes Fund Study Team. Prior to this role, Jessica worked as a research assistant for Dr Kate Orkin, where she assisted in advising the South African Presidency on the design of their social protection policies (particularly social grants), as well as helped with research on interventions aimed at addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. She has also previously worked as a policy intern for the Girls Education and Empowerment Team at J-PAL Africa.
Jessica recently completed her masters in Applied Economics at the University of Cape Town. Her research interests include improving education and labour market outcomes (particularly among girls and women) in developing countries.
