About Us
The PPL Institute is a non-partisan public opinion research institute that aims to bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding. We investigate the relationships between a person and the external factors that may shape their political and non-political behaviors and attitudes. The institute also aims to make research open and accessible to everyone.
The institute was founded in May of 2025 by Ryan R. Rajpal, who serves as director, to address the disparities in the public's understanding of their relation to others and their environment. The PPL Institute is committed to transparency in its research methods and findings, ensuring transparency through academic reports and public-oriented video presentations for each study carried out by the institute. The institute also hopes to demystify the work of scientists by acurately demonstrating the research process through social media campaigns regarding each study the institute undertakes.
The Team
Ryan R. Rajpal
Director, Founder
Ryan is a political psychologist specializing in American politics, public opinion, and political communication. Outside of politics, he is interested in social dynamics, cognition, and developmental psychology. His previous work examines how platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok influence personal well-being and political engagement. His current work in political science 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. As director, he establishes the institute's research objectives.
Alexis R. Grayon, MPH
Visiting 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.
Paige Iino
Research Assistant
Paige is currently a student at Rutgers University—New Brunswick double majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in International and Global Studies. Her research interests include American politics, international politics, law, and diplomacy.