My research is cited widely, has received national awards, and is featured in outlets such as The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and National Public Radio. I’ve always been driven by a desire to not only produce rigorous, high-impact research, but to communicate insights in ways that are meaningful beyond academic audiences. 

After nearly two decades as a professor at Texas A&M University, where I taught thousands of students and led an independent research program, I am proud to bring my expertise to the public sector. 

I now serve as an Education Research and Evaluation Consultant with the California Department of Education, where I contribute to large-scale assessment and policy initiatives that directly impact students, families, and schools across the state. My work focuses on translating complex data into clear, actionable insights that inform decision-making at the highest levels.

I’m also a mother of two daughters, raising them on my own, and that role shapes everything I do. It deepens my commitment to work that is not only intellectually rigorous, but also meaningful, grounded, and connected to real lives.

My work today reflects both my professional training and my personal experience, and I’m proud to contribute to efforts that make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.