Dr. Alex Chohlas Wood

Biography

Alex Chohlas-Wood is an Assistant Professor at New York University Steinhardt, specializing in Computational Social Science. He earned his Ph.D. in Computational Social Science from Stanford University, an M.S. in Applied Urban Science and Informatics from NYU CUSP, and a B.A. in Studio Art from Carleton College. His research focuses on employing computational methods to enhance public policy, including developing algorithms using artificial intelligence to help prosecutors minimize implicit bias in charging decisions, as well as implementing automated behavioral nudges to decrease incarceration rates among public defender clients. He is also dedicated to creating frameworks for equitable algorithms through collaborations with government agencies. Dr. Chohlas-Wood serves as the co-director of the Computational Policy Lab, which he has led since 2018. Previously, he was the Director of Analytics at the New York City Police Department. In 2025, he is expected to be elected to the Council on Criminal Justice, an initiative backed by Arnold Ventures, Harvard Data Science Initiative, J-PAL North America, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative. His work has had a direct impact on state and local legislation and policymaking in the United States.

Research Interests