Agora Education Research logo.

Support education data preservation and access

Donate
Bubble abstract background

Service: Project Leadership

  • Melanie Ali, Ph.D.

    Melanie Ali, Ph.D.

    —

    by

    Dr. Ali is a seasoned education evaluation and research leader. As a research analyst and branch chief for the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, she designed and led large-scale mixed-methods implementation and impact studies. These included studies of educator preparation and development programs, educator performance evaluation systems, postsecondary access strategies, and career…

  • Richelle Davis

    Richelle Davis

    —

    by

    As a proficient wrangler of both middle school students and administrative data, Richelle brings a wealth of education knowledge to bear on her work. As the former Branch Chief for the Elementary and Secondary Branch at the National Center of Education Statistics, Richelle’s team oversaw the collection of federal K-12 education data within the EDFacts…

  • Thomas Snyder

    Thomas Snyder

    —

    by

    Tom Snyder served as Project Director for an AIR Equity Initiative grant on Promoting Equity Funding for Schools Facing Adverse Health Circumstances and Project Director for the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Analytical and Technical Support Services IDIQ. Snyder served as an internal AIR consultant on topics related to the appropriate use and…

  • Samantha Burg, Ph.D.

    Samantha Burg, Ph.D.

    —

    by

    Experienced leader in large-scale assessment and psychometrics with over 25 years specializing in educational measurement, statistical analysis, and data-driven reporting. Recognized for managing complex national and international assessment programs and coordinating cross-functional teams through all phases of test development, validation, administration, and analysis. Adept at translating sophisticated data into actionable insights and effectively communicating results…

  • Jodi Jacobson Chernoff, Ph.D.

    Jodi Jacobson Chernoff, Ph.D.

    —

    by

    I’m an Education Researcher fueled by a passion for improving the lives of young children and their families through thoughtful, data-driven change. I believe that when research is done well—and shared wisely—it can elevate entire systems of early childhood education and care. My work centers on uncovering what works, for whom, and why, using rigorous…

  • Kristi Donaldson, Ph.D.

    Kristi Donaldson, Ph.D.

    —

    by

    Kristi is a sociologist with expertise in research design, data analysis, and stakeholder communications. At NCES, she led the Digest of Education Statistics, which is a core statistical reference that covers education topics from early childhood to K-12, post-secondary, and adult outcomes, all across several equity dimensions. Her prior experience includes working with state and…

  • Lisa Kessler, M.Ed.

    Lisa Kessler, M.Ed.

    —

    by

    Lisa Kessler is an experienced Education Research Analyst with a strong track record in school recruitment for large-scale national studies. She excels at building relationships with states, districts and schools, navigating complex approval processes, and meeting ambitious participation goals. With a Master of Education and a data-driven mindset, she translates recruitment outcomes into actionable insights…

  • Lee Honeycutt

    —

    by

    Bridge builder, coordinating multiple partner teams on driving scalable, evidence-based solutions. Manage complex projects, supervising teams and aligning protocols with regulatory and compliance standards. Translate data into actionable insights, and foster collaboration across mission-driven organizations and clients. Adaptable, detail-oriented, and proactive, with strong track record in relationship-building, seeking feedback, and analytical thinking. Passionate about data…

  • Shelley Burns

    Shelley Burns

    —

    by

    Experienced mathematical statistician with a wide range of research and analytic skills. In-depth experience with all aspects of survey research, including conceptual development, survey design management, and quantitative data analysis using appropriate statistical methodology. Specific expertise in data confidentiality and statistical disclosure limitation procedures. Effective written and oral communication skills.

  • David Richards, Ph.D.

    David Richards, Ph.D.

    —

    by

    Since 2015, David Richards worked as a study director at the National Center for Education Statistics, in the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute for Education Sciences, with responsibility for large, nationally-representative postsecondary sample survey studies.