Heterogeneous Effects Analysis in Randomized Trials (HEARTs)

This research explores the development and application of latent variable models for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) with a focus on identifying treatment effect variation across populations. Leveraging applied machine learning and latent variable modeling (e.g. factor analysis, structural equation modeling, finite mixtures), HEARTs introduces new framework for detecting heterogeneous effects and enhancing the precision of conditional average treatment effect (CATE) estimates. By refining how interventions are implemented and analyzed, this research offers valuable insights into best approaches for estimating treatment effects within diverse populations.

UCSB-NSF Mixture Modeling for Discipline Based Education Researchers (MM4DBER)

This opportunity funded by the National Science Foundation will support the training and mentoring of discipline-based education researchers in the use of mixture modeling. Mixture modeling is well-established as a powerful tool in social science that holds considerable promise for advancing the understanding of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM education. Learn more about the project here.

This project used data from the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences 2002 Educational Longitudinal Study. The project focuses on developing methods for examining longitudinal changes in career behavior during high school and STEM workforce outcomes.

University of California, Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnerships (SAPEP)

The University of California SAPEP portfolio focuses on supporting first-generation, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and English language learners in pursuing postsecondary education, graduate and professional school opportunities, and careers. More information on SAPEP can be found here.

The research and evaluation design used to evaluate program quality included academic preparation, student attitudes about preparation and information quality, and social capital. Data include cross sectional and longitudinal analysis of both survey and administrative data across several school sites in the California central coast region. 

UCSB-NSF AI Institute for Agent-based Cyber Threat Intelligence and Operation (ACTION)

This NSF funded institute fosters collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry to improve methods for protection against constantly evolving security threats. More information on ACTION can be found here.

The evaluation project focused on education and workforce development goals, implementation, and student outcomes. Using theory from social science research, the evaluation focuses on social capital and student motivation in group contexts. Institute activities and outcomes are generally centered around academic preparation, research preparation, professional development & networking, and outreach and mentorship.

California Central Coast K-16 Education Collaborative

California recently released funding for regional K-16 collaboratives for both planning and implementation. These collaborative grants drive regional collaboration across the state of California. More information about the Central Coast Collaborative initiatives specifically can be found here.

During this formative evaluation, in partnership with WestEd and includes collecting administrative quantitative data from the national Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), California Community College Data System, University of California Information System, and the California Department of Education. Data collected are used to evaluate student enrollment and completions in health, computing and engineering, and STEM education sectors across central coast institutions of higher education.

Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies

The UC Santa Barbara Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies and the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) launched a new Center for Global Studies at UERJ with generous support from the Fulbright Commission.

This evaluation project involved surveying students who participated in the inaugural program. We measured student sense of belonging relative to experiences with globally connected issues of social policy and human rights. Analysis of survey results concluded that students who had experienced more issues of human rights or social policy found higher levels of sense of belonging participating in political discussions and activism.

More details about the project can be found here. Please contact Travis for a copy of the evaluation report.

1. Elaine Barazza, BA in Linguistics from UC Santa Barbara, 2024

2. Lucas Bricca, BA in Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara, 2024

3. Ellie Huang, BA in Statistics and Data Science from UC Santa Barbara, 2025

4. Mai Huynh, BA in Statistics and Data Science and Economics from UC Santa Barbara, 2025

5. Andriana Iudice, BA in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara, 2024

6. Ju Kim, BS in Statistics and Data Science and BA in Economics from UC Santa Barbara, 2024

7. Marco Montenegro, BA in Economics from UC Santa Barbara, 2024, currently an M.S. student in Quantitative Economics

8. Sarah Sault, BA in in Mathematics and Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara, 2025

9. Dalina Sinn, BS in Financial Mathematics and Statistics and Minor in Educational Studies from UC Santa Barbara, 2024

10. Brandi See, BA in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, 2024