Laura Packard Tucker
About Laura Packard Tucker
Laura Packard Tucker is a Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, where she applies quantitative and qualitative research methods to projects focused on transition-age youth and fiscal studies. She has over a decade of experience in research and data analysis, having previously worked at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago in various roles.
Work at Urban Institute
Laura Packard Tucker serves as a Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she applies her expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods to various evaluation projects. Her work focuses on transition-age youth, fiscal studies, and system-level outcome analysis. Tucker is dedicated to generating evidence that assists child welfare systems in improving outcomes.
Previous Experience at Chapin Hall
Tucker has extensive experience at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, where she worked in various capacities from 2013 to 2021. She began as a Business Systems Administrator for nine months, then served as a Grants & Contracts Administrator for two years. Following that, she held the position of Associate Researcher for four years before becoming a Researcher for three years. This diverse experience contributed to her skills in managing and improving organizational data systems and business processes.
Educational Background
Laura Packard Tucker earned her Master of Science in Finance and Accounting (MSFA) from Portland State University, where she studied from 2009 to 2011. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Studio Arts from Alfred University, studying from 2002 to 2006. Her educational background supports her analytical skills and research capabilities in her professional roles.
Skills and Research Focus
Tucker utilizes both fiscal and data analysis skill sets in her research. She applies quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluation projects, particularly those focused on transition-age youth. Her work emphasizes the importance of rigorous evidence in enhancing child welfare systems and improving overall outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Experience at OHSU
Before her tenure at Chapin Hall, Tucker worked as a Finance Administrator at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the Technology Transfer & Business Development department from 2008 to 2011. This role contributed to her financial management skills and understanding of business development processes within an academic and research context.