Three Women Have Joined the Faculty of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University

The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University has added five scholars to its core faculty. Three of the new hires are women.

Robyn Meeks is a new assistant professor of public policy. Her research is focused on water and energy technology in developing countries. She was an assistant professor of environmental economics at the University of Michigan and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kazakhstan. Dr. Meeks holds a master’s degree in environmental management from Yale University and a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University.

Linda Burton, the James B. Duke Professor of Sociology, is joining the Sanford School as the new director for the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy. Professor Burton was dean of social sciences in the university’s College of Arts and Sciences from 2014 to 2017. Dr. Burton joined the Duke faculty in 2006 after teaching at Pennsylvania State University. Professor Burton holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in sociology, all from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Elizabeth J. Gifford is an assistant research professor and the director of data initiatives for the Center for Child and Family Policy. She also serves as the scientific leader for the Social and Economic factors component of the new Children’s Health and Discovery Institute. Dr. Gifford is a graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in health policy and administration and demography at Pennsylvania State University.