About

I am an educational researcher with more than a decade of experience applying quantitative methods to large-scale research and evaluation projects in the field of K-12 public education. I am currently director of research for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), a district located in metro Atlanta and one of the largest school systems in the United States.

One of my primary research interests is the development and application of early warning systems, essentially addressing the complex question: How do we best identify student risk accurately and early enough, with the least bias possible, and in a way that is most useful for stakeholders?

My training is in the more traditional aspects of research and statistical methods for education, but I am also deeply interested in data science. I am skilled in statistical programming and project workflow (a devoted R/RStudio/tidyverse enthusiast, who also knows a little SQL and Python), as well as a strong supporter of open science.

Outside of my working life, I enjoy songwriting, exploring the natural wonders and hiking trails of North Georgia with my kids, and trying to be a little less mediocre at weightlifting.

Interests

  • Early warning systems/Applied predictive modeling
  • Data science for education
  • Open science
  • Programming & project workflow

Education

  • PhD in Educational Psychology, 2013

    University of Georgia

  • MA in Educational Psychology, 2010

    University of Georgia

  • BA in Psychology, 2003

    University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Experience

 
 
 
 
 

Owner

edMetrica LLC

Nov 2019 – Present Jefferson, Georgia
 
 
 
 
 

Director of Research

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Jan 2017 – Present Suwanee, Georgia
 
 
 
 
 

Coordinator of Research & Evaluation

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Nov 2012 – Dec 2016 Suwanee, Georgia

Consulting

I have a decade of experience working as an educational researcher in K-12 settings—applying my skills with large-scale data analysis, quantitative methods, and data science to build predictive models, develop school accountability metrics, create visualization tools, evaluate programs, and produce customized summary reports. If you are looking for a consultant with my skills, I’d love to hear about the work you have in mind.

Contact