With a diverse academic and professional journey, my expertise lies at the intersection of workforce development, inequality, labor markets, and place-based policies.  My professional experience showcases a commitment to bridging research with action where I skillfully utilize data and visual design to communicate local economic insights and lead research projects in collaboration with various stakeholders.

Research Interests

Economic Development, Inequality and Labor Markets, Place-based Policies, Regional Development, Equity and Inclusion in Workforce Development

Skills

Data Analysis: Stata | Excel

Research: Survey Design | Case Studies | Interviews | Program Evaluation

Visual Design: Adobe Photoshop | Adobe InDesign | Adobe Illustrator

Work Experience

Program Manager for “Promise: Investing in Community” (A major research initiative focused on finding community strategies for good jobs), W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research | 09/2021 to Present |Full-Time.

• Identify and coordinate with local leaders to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and interventions.
• Author products such as briefs, blogs, features, online visualizations, reports, and commentaries related to the place-based initiative’s work.
• Develop visually compelling content, such as graphics, infographics, charts, illustrations, and interactives that accompany and supplement the initiative’s products.
• Create marketing materials, plan events, and develop strategies to reach a wide audience.
• Manage research assistants and interns.

Regional Research Analyst, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research | 09/2019 to 09/2021 | Full-time.

• Worked with data and economic models to communicate information on local economic conditions.
• Project leader on selected research studies working with others inside and outside of the Institute to achieve project-related goals.
• Created communication comprising of written content, data visualizations, and presentations.
• Managed staff and interns.

Deputy Director of Labor Market Intelligence, KentuckianaWorks | 01/2019 to 08/2019 | Full-time.

• Collected and analyzed data using statistical software showing the impact of workforce development and economic policies at the state and regional level.
• Produced literature reviews, visualizations, written reports, op-eds, blog posts, and other documents on key economic issues and policies for policy makers, business leaders, and the general public.
• Responsible for program evaluation within the organization.

Regional Research Consultant, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research | 05/2016 to 01/2019 | Part-time (20 hours).

• Developed data collection instruments.
• Performed statistical analysis.
• Prepared reports, publications, and presentations.

Project Management Experience

Assistant to the Director of Faculty and Global Program Development, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. (2015)

Managed Fulbright Fellows and Scholars, including organizing cultural activities and orientations, outreach and marketing for Fulbright, Gilman, and Boren scholarships, and development and management of programs to support global engagement on campus.

Study Abroad Fair Coordinator, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. (2012-2014)

Responsible for organizing the annual study abroad fair and additional outreach for study abroad programs.

Special Projects Coordinator for the Office of International Education, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI. (2011-2012)

Developed marketing materials, organized receptions and campus visits for international delegations and produced large scale events. 

Wellness Program Coordinator, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI. (2008-2011)

Developed, promoted, and advanced health and wellness related programming on campus.

Grant-funded Project Work

John E. Fetzer Institute funded project, Project Evaluator for “Both Sides of the Fence,” (2015).

NSF Project: Gender and Constitutions—A Politics of Difference vs. Equality, Research Associate for Dr. Priscilla Lambert, (2013)

West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center, Research and Development Associate, (2013)

Entrepreneurial Institute, Ferris State University, Researcher (2011)

AWARDS

Graduate Research and Creative Scholars Award, $250,Department of Political Science, Western Michigan University, 2019

Graduate Teaching Effectiveness Award, $250,Department of Political Science, Western Michigan University, 2018

King, Chavez, Parks (KCP) Fellowship, $25,000, State of Michigan, 2017

D.C. Shilling Award, $300, Western Michigan University, 2017 

Pi Sigma Alpha, Western Michigan University, 2013

Newcomer Professional Development Grant, $150, (MAIE), 2012

Faculty & Staff Diversity Mini-Grant, $3,000, Ferris State University, 2011

Student Diversity Grant, $1,500, Ferris State University, September 2011