The Author

Causal Inference | Healthcare | Criminal Justice | Public Policy

My name is Victor Kilanko. I am a Causal Inference and Experimentation Scientist, specializing in the application of advanced causal methods to challenges in public policy and development economics. My work focuses on critical issues at the intersection of healthcare, crime, education, and innovation, where evidence-driven insights can transform systems and improve lives.

Through my research, I have seen firsthand how powerful causal inference can be in shaping better decision-making. However, I have also recognized a persistent gap: while many individuals are eager to learn causal inference, they often struggle to find a clear, accessible path. They are overwhelmed by the complexity, unsure where to begin, and uncertain which resources truly build intuition and practical skill.

This book is my attempt to lower the barrier to entry for causal inference — to make it less intimidating, more practical, and immediately useful. My goal is to create a publicly available curriculum that teaches causal inference in a way that emphasizes both intuition and application. The book will feature:

• Clear explanations of core concepts,

• Step-by-step code scripts (in Python or R - available for free) that readers can use, adapt, and build upon,

• Practical case studies drawn from real-world issues in public policy and development,

• And a learning roadmap that guides readers from foundational ideas to more advanced techniques.

I believe that causal thinking should not be reserved for academic specialists. It should be a skill accessible to anyone interested in understanding and improving the world. By demystifying causal inference and offering practical tools, I hope this book will empower a new generation of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to tackle complex problems with rigor, clarity, and confidence.