Robert J. Jagers is vice president of research for the Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Through research, practice, and policy development, CASEL collaborates with thought leaders to equip educators and policymakers with the tools to advance social and emotional learning in equitable learning enviroments so all students can thrive. Prior to joining CASEL, Jagers was a faculty member in the combined program in education and psychology at the University of Michigan, a Co-PI of the Center for the Study of Black Youth in Context (CSBYC), and the founding director of Wolverine Pathways, a university sponsored diversity pipeline program for qualified secondary school students. Among his various CASEL duties, Dr. Jagers is leading work with partner districts to explore how social and emotional learning can be leveraged to promote equitable learning environments and equitable developmental outcomes for students from historically underserved groups. He has a particular interest in transformative approaches to SEL research and practice and their implications for the civic development of children and youth.