Sara Heller is Assistant Professor of Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. Sara uses large-scale randomized controlled trials to investigate the impact and cost effectiveness of public policies to improve life outcomes for disadvantaged youth. Previously a doctoral fellow at the Crime Lab, she investigates the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy-based programming on juvenile crime and schooling outcomes.

She currently works with both the Crime Lab and the Inclusive Economy Lab on an ongoing evaluation of the One Summer Chicago Plus youth employment program.