About Us
The PPL Institute (pronounced "People") is a non-partisan research institute with a committed interest in social psychology and political science. Dedicated to understanding social dynamics and political behavior, we aim to find ways of reducing affective polarization to promote productive public discourse on policy issues. Our work aims to support the public good by identifying and addressing societal challenges, while also empowering individuals to make informed choices with a heightened sense of awareness and agency.
Founded in May 2025 by Ryan R. Rajpal, the PPL Institute was created in response to the growing inequalities in access to higher education, including an emerging information disparity. Thus, the PPL Institute is dedicated to promoting public-facing scientific communication, believing that ignorance motivates aggression at the societal level. We hope our findings inspire policy work or otherwise inform the people about some phenomena as we build a community around curiosity, science, and civic duty.
Our research is presented as presentations, summaries, and academic articles to ensure that the findings are available to a broad audience, including policymakers and curious citizens. All of our work is publicly available on our website and social media pages. We encourage you to explore our research and articles, and to engage with us on social media or as contributors. We are always looking to uncover new ways of thinking about the world around us, and we hope you will join us for this endeavor.
The Team
Ryan R. Rajpal
Director, Founder
Ryan is a political psychologist specializing in American politics, public opinion, political communication, and social dynamics. His previous research examined how platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok influence personal well-being and political engagement. His current work investigates affective polarization and the formation of political beliefs within shared digital culture. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Rutgers University, where he graduated summa cum laude and with the highest honors in political science.
Alexis R. Grayon, MPH
Nonresident Fellow
Alexis is a pediatric, perinatal, and environmental epidemiologist whose work emphasizes underlying social determinants of health. They are interested in the factors that shape attitudes and behaviors, understanding the subsequent effects on psychosocial health and wellbeing, and using complex data approaches to explore these relationships. Alexis received their Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science from New York University and their Master of Public Health in Environmental Health Sciences and Molecular Epidemiology from Columbia University.
Liesl Co
Science Communicator, Research Assistant
Liesl is an aspiring biomedical scientist and avid science communicator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University. Her honors thesis explored the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the brain’s ability to remember important sound cues and link them to learned behaviors. She continues to be interested in the intersection of epigenetics, environmental factors, and neurobiology, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond research itself, she is just as passionate about translating it in engaging, accessible, and empowering ways for the public.
Pauline Kung
Research Assistant
Pauline is a Rutgers alum. Her research interests aligns with the intersectionality of the criminal legal system and how system-impacted individuals overcome barriers to re-entry. She is also interested in higher education’s campus security and safety initiatives.