Caitlin Anzelone applies behavioral insights and human-centered design to initiatives that reduce poverty and expand access to opportunities. With 15 years of experience in behavioral science — the study of human decision-making and behavior — she designs interventions that enhance economic security and well-being. As director of the Center for Applied Behavioral Science at MDRC, Anzelone improves the efficiency of educational and nonprofit programs, making them easier for people to navigate. She specializes in systems change, incorporating participant voices, and using rapid-cycle experiments to test and refine solutions. She also leads capacity-building efforts to help program leaders implement effective strategies.
Currently, Anzelone leads several major projects: On the Path to a Degree 2.0 (OnPath 2.0), which removes structural barriers in higher education; Behavioral Interventions to Advance Self-Sufficiency (BIAS), which applies behavioral science to improve human services programs; Paid Family Leave, which is expanding access to state-based leave for disadvantaged families, and Beyond 12, a partnership with a tech-enabled nonprofit to help colleges support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Anzelone holds an MA in social-organizational psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a BS in psychology from Fordham University.
Projects
