Research Overview

You may notice that my research does not follow the typical pattern of focusing on a single, narrow area. This approach stems from my undergraduate background in Educational Studies, which has cultivated a broad interest in topics ranging from PK-12 to higher education, and the intersections of education with economics, sociology, psychology, and public affairs. Far from being a weakness, this interdisciplinary training is one of my strengths. This foundation, along with my training in the Economics of Education, has shaped my research into a systematic exploration of educational equity, opportunity, and success through the lenses of policy and leadership.

I employ quantitative research methodologies, focusing on drawing causal evidence through both experimental and quasi-experimental designs. My aim is to generate evidence-based insights that lead to impactful interventions and improvements—whether they are foundational innovations or small, low-cost, yet highly effective solutions. My current and future research spans the following areas (click the titles below for more details on each area):

1. College Access and Equity:

My dissertation evaluates the role of standardized tests and the impact of test-optional admissions within the holistic review process. I also investigate how admission decisions can be improved by examining the relationships between application elements and key outcomes, such as retention, college GPA, credits completed, and graduation rates. I recognize that equity in college admissions is deeply connected to long-standing inequalities in the K-12 education system. I also explored how emerging equity issues have shaped educational inequality using advanced research methods. My future research will also link PK-12 education experiences with educational opportunities, such as the role of teacher characteristics in influencing applications from underrepresented students by linking DPI and school report card data with application data.

2. Effective Teachers:

My work on teacher effectiveness, preparation, and the labor market spans both higher education and PK-12 policy and leadership. This has been a long-standing area of interest, driven by my belief that teachers are the most crucial element of education that we can and must improve. This research explores what defines an effective educator and examines the factors that motivate teachers to work in challenging contexts, drawing from both domestic and international policy and leadership perspectives.

3. Prosocial Preferences and Student Success

I recently began exploring the intersection of education, sociology, and public affairs, focusing on the idea that student success should be integrated with addressing public needs and inequity. Specifically, I study how students learn from exposure to concepts of equity and how this shapes their job market decisions and long-term career development. While my current research focuses on student teachers, I am expanding this work to include students from a broader range of disciplines.