Laura Wherry Named Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research Prize Winner

Associate Professor Laura Wherry was awarded NYU Wagner’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Research Prize winner for the 2023–24 academic year. The prize, part of Wagner’s overall Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Access efforts, serves as an annual recognition of a faculty member’s research contributions in these areas.

Wherry was honored for an article she co-authored, “State Public Insurance Coverage Policies and Postpartum Care Among Immigrants,” which was published by JAMA Network. The study conducted in the article found that, in states that restricted public insurance policy coverage to undocumented and recent immigrants, these individuals were less likely to receive recommended postpartum care. 

Wherry has become a leading voice in the research of the health and economic well-being of individuals in the United States. Her work has been cited in the White House economic report, mentioned on NPR’s Academic Minute, and recognized as one of the top 10 most read articles in Health Affairs in 2023. 

Wherry is on leave from Wagner for the 2024–25 academic year as she serves as a senior economist on the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers.