Lori Thomas, Ph.D.

Dr. Lori Thomas is the Executive Director of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and Charlotte Regional Data Trust – an integrated data system operated by the Urban Institute. She is also an Associate Professor of Social Work at UNC Charlotte. Thomas oversees and leads the work of community-engaged researchers and graduate students and facilitates use of linked administrative data by faculty researchers and community organizations.

A Tennessee native, Thomas holds a Ph.D. in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work has included multiyear projects to address systemic problems such as homelessness, using quantitative and qualitative research to find solutions.

Click here to read Lori’s articles.