As the Associate Director of the Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore, Dr. Ting Zhang plays a pivotal role in managing the team and advancing research and policy analysis in labor economics, workforce development, and social safety net programs. Over the years marked by contributions to both academic and applied research, Dr. Zhang has secured over $10 million in grants as a Principal Investigator from prestigious agencies such as the Maryland Departments of Labor and Social Services, U.S. Departments of Labor, Agriculture, and Education, the Social Security Administration, and the Gates Foundation. Her work has had a tangible impact on state and federal policies, particularly in areas related to unemployment insurance, reemployment services, and family and medical leave programs.
Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on labor market dynamics, social safety nets, and the intersection of workforce development and economic policy. She has led numerous high-impact studies, including evaluations of Maryland’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) program, which have informed state-level policy decisions. Her work on the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program has been instrumental in shaping the state’s approach to paid leave, with her findings directly incorporated into Maryland law.
In addition to her research, Dr. Zhang has contributed to the Encyclopedia of Big Data, authoring entries on topics such as Data Synthesis, Integrated Data Systems, and Probabilistic Matching, showcasing her expertise in data analysis and its application to labor economics. Her publications, including co-authored reports and peer-reviewed studies, have been widely recognized, including an edited volume out of a USDA funded project being cited as a noteworthy contribution to Industrial Relations and Labor Economics by Princeton University.
Dr. Zhang’s leadership, as well as her scholarly achievements, have earned her several accolades, including the University System of Maryland Board of Regents Faculty Award in Scholarship/Research (2023) and the University President's Faculty Award (2024). These honors reflect her commitment to excellence in research and her significant contributions to the field of labor and workforce.
Through her work at the Jacob France Institute, Dr. Zhang continues to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy solutions, ensuring that her findings have a meaningful impact on workforce development and economic stability in Maryland and beyond. Her ability to secure and manage large-scale grants, coupled with her dedication to addressing critical labor market challenges, positions her and the Jacob France institute as an important resource on Maryland workforce issues.