Fighting poverty: Research helping our communities
Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is using research to fight poverty in a way that makes a real impact.
This podcast episode features Heather Reynolds, managing director of the Notre Dame Poverty Initiative and the Michael L. Smith Managing Director of the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), who shares how Notre Dame’s research has shaped policy changes—such as expanding access to high school diplomas for adults—and helped nonprofits implement programs that truly work. With more than 100 projects in 30 states, LEO’s evidence-based approach is cutting through political divides to create solutions that lift people out of poverty.
We’re also joined by Tracy Kijewski-Correa, the William J. Pulte Director of the Keough School’s Pulte Institute for Global Development. She discusses how her experiences—from being a first-generation student at Notre Dame to leading post-disaster rebuilding efforts—have shaped her work in helping communities build resilience. She also explains how the Keough School’s approach to poverty extends beyond economic hardship, addressing social, psychological, and environmental challenges to foster true human flourishing.
By collaborating with policymakers, local leaders, and global networks, Notre Dame is bridging the gap between poverty research and real-world impact. Listen to the full episode of Notre Dame Stories to learn how Notre Dame is driving change—and why this work matters.
Latest ND NewsWire
- Eight Notre Dame students, alumni awarded NSF Graduate Research FellowshipsEight current or former University of Notre Dame students have been awarded National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships, with an additional 16 singled out for honorable mention for the award. Established in 1952, the Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides financial…
- Alumni Association announces 2025 spring award winnersThe University of Notre Dame Alumni Association honored several outstanding alumni and staff at its annual board of directors meeting in April. Throughout the year, the association presents awards in six key areas that reflect the University’s commitment to excellence: the arts, athletics, service to the Alumni Association, service to the country, service to humanity, and service to the University.
- Division of Student Affairs recognizes outstanding student leadersThe University of Notre Dame’s Division of Student Affairs honored seven graduating students at its 39th annual Student Leadership Awards banquet on April 14.
- Notre Dame faculty experts reflect on life and legacy of Pope FrancisAs the University of Notre Dame joins the Church and the world in mourning Pope Francis’ death, the University’s faculty experts reflect on his papacy, life and legacy.
- Statement from University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., on the passing of Pope FrancisUniversity of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., joined today with leaders worldwide in mourning the death of Pope Francis at age 88.
- CANCELED: University to host Cardinal Pedro Barreto of Peru and Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana as part of Notre Dame ForumAs part of the 2024-25 Notre Dame Forum, Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., of Peru and Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana will visit the University of Notre Dame to participate in a conversation with President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., at 11:30 a.m. April 25 in the Smith Ballroom of the Morris Inn. The conversation is open to the public and will also be livestreamed for both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking audiences.
