Our Team
The Hamilton Taxation and Public Finance Research Center is driven by a diverse and accomplished team of professionals who share a commitment to advancing sound, equitable fiscal policy. Our staff includes economists, legal and policy researchers, public finance analysts, and subject matter experts who bring both academic depth and real-world experience to their work. Together, they contribute to a research environment rooted in analytical rigor, innovation, and public impact.
Our team members not only lead groundbreaking studies and policy analysis, but also actively engage with lawmakers, educators, institutions, and the public to ensure that our work informs meaningful dialogue and decision-making. With a strong foundation in collaboration and a shared vision for fiscal responsibility, the Hamilton Center’s team is at the forefront of driving policy solutions that serve both present and future generations.
Executive Office
Dr. Caroline V. Prescott – Director
Educational Background:
Ph.D. in Public Policy, Harvard University
M.P.A., Princeton University
B.A. in Economics, University of Chicago
Dr. Eleanor V. Prescott is a nationally recognized expert in tax policy and public finance with over 20 years of experience in research, policy advising, and institutional leadership. Before joining the Hamilton Center, she served as Chief Economist at the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and led fiscal policy initiatives at the Brookings Institution. Her work on tax equity, budget reform, and international tax cooperation has been widely cited in academic and policy circles. Dr. Prescott is known for her ability to bridge technical research and actionable policy, making her a sought-after voice in Washington and beyond.
Marcus D. Langston – Deputy Director
Educational Background:
M.P.A., Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
B.A. in Political Science, University of California, Berkeley
Marcus Langston brings deep expertise in fiscal governance and public sector program design. Having served at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, he plays a central role in advancing cross-functional coordination and implementing key research initiatives at the Center.
Alina Soto – Chief of Staff
Educational Background:
M.S. in Nonprofit Management, NYU Wagner School of Public Service
B.A. in Sociology and Organizational Leadership, Florida State University
Alina Soto is an experienced administrator with a strong background in organizational strategy and nonprofit leadership. She manages institutional planning, operations, and executive coordination to ensure that the Center functions efficiently and cohesively.
Research Divisions
Prof. Rachel Ngai – Lead, Tax Policy and Legislation Division
Educational Background:
J.D., Yale Law School
B.A. in Economics and Political Science, Wellesley College
Prof. Ngai is a seasoned tax attorney and scholar whose work focuses on legal reform and the structure of federal and state tax systems. She previously served in the U.S. Treasury Department and is widely known for her ability to translate complex legal frameworks into actionable policy recommendations.
Dr. Luis Mendoza – Lead, Public Finance and Budgeting Division
Educational Background:
Ph.D. in Economics, University of Texas at Austin
M.A. in Public Finance, University of Chile
B.A. in Economics, Universidad de los Andes
Dr. Mendoza is a public finance expert whose research explores government spending, intergovernmental transfers, and budget modernization. With a background in both academic research and international consulting, he leads the division’s efforts on fiscal sustainability.
Dr. Sophia Al-Masri – Lead, Corporate and International Tax Division
Educational Background:
Ph.D. in International Taxation, University of Oxford
LL.M. in Tax Law, Georgetown University Law Center
B.A. in International Relations, American University of Beirut
Dr. Al-Masri specializes in multinational tax policy and international tax competition. Her work has informed international organizations like the IMF, and she brings a global lens to corporate taxation and compliance.
Jasmine Carter, M.P.P. – Lead, Tax Equity and Social Impact Division
Educational Background:
M.P.P., Harvard Kennedy School
B.A. in Urban Studies and Public Policy, Spelman College
Jasmine Carter leads research exploring how tax policies affect various socioeconomic groups. With a background in social policy and community engagement, she brings an equity-driven approach to the Center’s research on distributional tax impacts.
Dr. Erik Johansen – Lead, Technology and Tax Innovation Division
Educational Background:
Ph.D. in Information Science, University of Michigan
M.S. in Data Science, Stanford University
B.S. in Computer Science and Economics, University of Minnesota
Dr. Johansen blends expertise in technology and public systems to explore the future of tax administration. His research covers AI, blockchain, and digital compliance frameworks, helping governments and institutions modernize tax infrastructure.
Policy & Outreach Unit
Helena Park, J.D. – Outreach Lead
Educational Background:
J.D., University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
B.A. in Government and Public Affairs, Smith College
Helena Park is a skilled policy communicator with experience in legislative advocacy and nonprofit outreach. She drives the Center’s engagement strategy with lawmakers, civil society, and media, ensuring that research reaches key stakeholders and the public.
Education & Fellowship Programs
Daniel R. Vega, Ed.D. – Director of Education & Fellowships
Educational Background:
Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Vanderbilt University
M.Ed., University of Georgia
B.A. in Public Policy, Rutgers University
Dr. Vega designs and oversees the Center’s educational programs, including internships and research fellowships. With a strong foundation in pedagogy and experiential learning, he equips the next generation of tax scholars and practitioners with tools for real-world impact.
Advisory Board
Dr. Alan Truscott – Chair, Advisory Board
Educational Background:
Ph.D. in Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.A. in Public Policy, University of Michigan
B.A. in Mathematics and Economics, Williams College
A former Chief Economist at the Congressional Budget Office, Dr. Truscott chairs the Advisory Board, guiding the Center’s strategic direction and ensuring academic and policy relevance. His long-standing contributions to fiscal policy reform make him an invaluable thought partner for the organization.