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Emmanuel Sikali spent twenty years at the National Center for Education Statistics, most recently as Acting Chief of the Assessments Division’s Reporting and Dissemination Branch, where he led the team responsible for releasing NAEP results. He served as federal project officer for EdSurvey, the open-source R package suite used internationally to analyze NAEP, TIMSS, PIAAC,…
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Dr. Rebecca Hinze-Pifer is an education researcher and former classroom teacher whose work closes the gap between rigorous evidence and actionable insight for education leaders. Over more than a decade of district-partnered research, she has led multi-year evaluations of major reforms in Chicago Public Schools including the removal of police officers from schools, alternative high…
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Dr. Alka Arora is a researcher and psychometrician with more than 25 years of experience in K–12 STEM assessment, measurement, and data analysis across the major national and international studies, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and TIMSS Advanced, and the Program for International…
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I’m a Researcher with over two decades of experience designing, implementing, and analyzing large-scale education assessments. My work focuses on uncovering meaningful patterns in student learning—across countries, cultures, and contexts—through rigorous data collection and thoughtful analysis. At the American Institutes for Research (AIR), I collaborated with federal agencies and partner organizations on the U.S. implementation…
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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…
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Shannon Russell is a versatile education researcher, specializing in motivation and cognitive development in children and adolescents. With demonstrated success in client and project management, and expertise in survey methodology, cognitive assessments, and data analysis, she promotes processes and decision-making that lead to high-quality data. As a team leader she fosters professionalism, collaboration, and high-quality…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Dr. Grim is an education statistics and psychometrics expert with extensive experience in test development, survey methodology, and quantitative analysis. Her strategic insights and advanced statistical modeling using SPSS, R, and specialized psychometric software result in valid and reliable instruments for scales that yield precise, data-driven decisions. She specializes in enhancing data collection processes and…
