J. Luke Irwin

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Assistant Policy Researcher; Ph.D. Candidate, Pardee RAND Graduate School
Santa Monica Office

Education

M.P.H., Unversity of Texas Health Science Center; B.S. in neurobiology, University of Texas

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

J. Luke Irwin is an assistant policy analyst at RAND and a Ph.D. student at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. His primary interests are complex social systems, emerging technologies, and social change. His work at RAND spans a wide range of substantive policy areas, including education, workforce development, population health, science and technology, and social inequality.

Prior to joining Pardee RAND, he was a research specialist focusing on vital event data at the Texas Department of State Health Services. He has also conducted a variety of qualitative and quantitative research projects for government clients, such as investigating transportation service coverage for the City of Austin and environmental health exposures for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, Irwin has on-the-ground experience in both educational and health care settings, developing and executing lesson plans in middle school, high school, and collegiate settings, and as a patient care technician in a hospital emergency room.

He received his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and holds a B.S. in neurobiology from the University of Texas, with minors in programming and biomimicry.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

  • Interdependent Inequalities in Rural America
  • Assessing Algorithmic Equity
  • Security 2040: The Security Implications of Additive Manufacturing

Commentary

  • A desk with 3D printing technology on top

    Downloadable Guns and Other 3-D Printing Security Threats

    Americans may soon be able to legally access blueprints for 3D-printed guns. The growing opposition to these weapons shows that potential security threats do not have to be inevitable. The security challenges inherent in 3D printing could be addressed, while the development of industry norms can still be shaped.

    Jul 31, 2018 Fox News Channel

Publications

  • Equations and formulas behind scales of justice, images by monsitj and DNY59/Getty Images

    Report

    Algorithmic Equity: A Framework for Social Applications

    This report is an examination of pathologies in social institutions' use of algorithmic decisionmaking processes. The primary focus is understanding how to evaluate the equitable use of algorithms across a range of specific applications.

    Jul 11, 2019

  • 3d printing in progress

    Report

    Additive Manufacturing in 2040: Powerful Enabler, Disruptive Threat

    This Perspective -- part of a series examining critical security challenges in 2040 -- offers a new framework for exploring the disruptive dimensions of additive manufacturing technology and explores which sectors and industries might be most affected.

    May 8, 2018