Project Wrangler
Elicits project specifications and timelines, monitors progress, coordinates team efforts, and drives timely completion of deliverables through effective communication and documentation.
The Basics
Work Overview
Director of Action, DIA Higher Education Collaborators (DIA)
June 2023 – May 2025 (1 yr 10 mos)
DIA’s mission is to improve student learning and retention in higher education by helping institutions move from “data to information, information to action”. DIA not only provides college partners with data on incoming students’ non-cognitive skills (e.g., time management, grit, help seeking) but supports partners in using these data to “improve cultures, strategies, and practices” among faculty, staff, and senior leaders. As Director of Action, I guided partners in the development, implementation, and evaluation of customized use-of-results plans, including (where needed) plans for product user training and support.
Associate Research Scientist, Curriculum Associates (CA)
Mar 2021 – May 2023 (1 yr 10 mos)
CA is committed to “making classrooms better for teachers and students” by providing curriculum, assessment, and personalized instruction products for nearly half of the nation’s learners in grades K-8. As an Associate Research Scientist, I worked with internal teams (e.g., product, marketing, sales) to answer questions about the implementation/effectiveness of CA products and develop external-facing materials (e.g., implementation guides, efficacy reports) for current/potential users.
Lead Assessment Consultant, JMU Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS)
Aug 2017 – May 2020 (2 yrs 9 mos)
Comprised of faculty and graduate student assessment consultants, CARS guides all student learning outcomes assessment efforts at James Madison University (general education, academic degree, and co-curricular/student affairs). To achieve its vision of “inspiring and empowering faculty and staff to make evidence-based decisions to enhance student learning and development”, CARS offers consultation services for programs/departments, provides assessment training for faculty/staff, and works closely with senior leaders to create systems and processes that support learning assessment. As Lead Assessment Consultant (Doctoral Graduate Assistant), I worked primarily with co-curricular/student affairs programs, training staff and devising strategies to address cultural and organizational barriers to learning outcomes assessment.
Education Overview
Assessment & Measurement (Ph.D.), James Madison University
Degree Conferred: May 2020
The A&M program adheres to a “practitioner-scientist, applied model” of graduate training. In class, students receive instruction on program assessment (measuring the effectiveness of learning programs or interventions), measurement (developing and evaluating the quality of learning assessment instruments) and quantitative methods (research design and statistics). Outside of class, students practice what they’ve learned through assessment consultation work (20 hrs/wk) and applied research projects with university partners.
College Student Personnel Administration (M.Ed.), James Madison University
Degree Conferred: May 2016
The CSPA program “prepares graduates to excel as higher education educators” working in student services offices (e.g., Career Advising, Residence Life, Disability Services) at colleges and universities. Coursework explores young adult development, career development, counseling techniques, and organizational theories among other topics. Outside of class, students have ample opportunity to apply their knowledge through two assistantships (20 hrs/week) and two 150-hour practicum experiences in student services offices. As a CSPA student, I worked in Residence Life, Career & Academic Advising, and Multicultural Student Services.
Sociology & Public Policy (B.A.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Degree Conferred: May 2013
Completed a double major in Sociology and Public Policy, both with a strategic focus on education through electives such as SOCI 423: Sociology of Education and PLCY 530: Education Problems & Policy Solutions.
Relevant Experience
(See Comprehensive Portfolio to view work samples and case studies.)
- DIA: Oversaw all training and support efforts for DIA product users across nine colleges and universities.
- Worked with institutions to identify key stakeholders, develop an implementation plan/timeline, and devise strategies to address potential implementation obstacles.
- Monitored users’ progress across the academic year and initiated periodic reviews to adjust the plan/timeline as needed.
- DIA: Spearheaded the redesign of a key institutional data report provided to all higher education clients.
- Conducted interviews with users to inform report specifications.
- Coordinated internal development efforts over a six-month period using GoodDay and Monday work management platforms.
- CA: Oversaw the conceptualization and kick-off of a $1M research project; coordinated the efforts of a cross-functional team comprised of approximately 10-12 internal and external stakeholders.
Other Qualifications
- Certified completion of the following open access online courses (MOOCS) through the Udemy learning platform, featuring dedicated training and tools for managing instructional design projects:
- The Absolute Basics of Instructional Design (6.5 hours)
- Instructional Design Pro Part 1: Curriculum Structural Design (6.5 hours)
- Instructional Design Pro Part 2: Curriculum Teaching Design (7 hours)
- Instructional Design Pro Part 3: Facilitator Guides & Other Materials (6.5 hours)
- Technical Skills
- Intermediate in GoodDay work management platform
- Basic in Monday work management platform
