Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Seasoned business leader and economist with over 15 years of experience, I bring a rigorous academic foundation and a proven track record in leading business development, policy evaluation, and technical assistance across diverse cultural landscapes. My academic journey instills a relentless pursuit of rigor in all my research endeavors, reinforcing the quality and impact of my work. As the founding director of a pioneering dual degree program, I've earned a reputation as an effective leader and innovator in higher education, creating programs that blend academic excellence with real-world applications. My role as the scientific founder of the Nexellence Institute, dedicated to building education and career opportunities in social and economic research for people of all abilities, reflects my passion for inclusive education and my commitment to cultivating the next generation of policymakers. My leadership is characterized by a compassionate approach and a data-driven decision-making process, aiming to leave a significant social impact. I am dedicated to educating and inspiring others, leveraging my advanced analytical skills and policy evaluation expertise to achieve successful outcomes for sponsors, stakeholders, and communities. My career is a testament to the power of combining strategic leadership with a heartfelt mission to drive change and foster inclusive excellence.
- Committed to generating empirical evidence to inform and transform policy, practice, and advocacy, aiming to improve life quality for marginalized communities. - Engages in multidisciplinary research to explore complex issues at the nexus of education policy and labor market dynamics. - Collaborates with government agencies, international organizations, and diverse stakeholders to develop inclusive and equitable practices. - Pioneer in developing new methodologies and analytical frameworks for research with global applicability and relevance. - Recognized thought leader, instrumental in developing evaluation strategies and frameworks adopted worldwide. - Drives national and international efforts towards more inclusive systems, with a vision of accessibility and opportunity for all individuals, regardless of background or abilities. As an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Social Policy, I have dedicated my career to bridging the gap between education and labor economics, with a deep commitment to fostering social and economic inclusion. My work centers on advocating for and empowering special populations, including people with disabilities, at-risk youth, and adult literacy learners. Leveraging a multidisciplinary approach, I delve into complex issues at the nexus of education policy and labor market dynamics, striving to generate empirical evidence that informs and transforms policy, practice, and advocacy. As a thought leader, I have been instrumental in developing evaluation strategies and frameworks that are adopted globally, reflecting a commitment to scalability and adaptability. As I continue to explore the intersections of education and labor economics, my ultimate goal remains: to contribute to a world where every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, has access to opportunities that allow them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
- Founded the Research and Innovation for Social and Economic Inclusion Lab (RISEI Lab) to advance research supporting special populations, including individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, and adult literacy learners. - Committed to catalyzing transformative change through meticulous research, policy innovation, and comprehensive educational services. - Aims to uplift underserved populations by integrating cutting-edge research with data-centric analysis and synergistic partnerships. - Drives mission-oriented efforts to develop innovative policy recommendations and educational services to tackle complex societal challenges. - Envisions a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their social or economic background. - Leads in shaping evidence-based policies and programs with a significant, real-world impact on people's lives. - Cultivates a multidisciplinary environment that merges expertise from economics, data science, psychology, and social sciences to build comprehensive solutions. - Emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to social justice to enhance societal well-being and promote a more inclusive, equitable world.
Modern economic and public-policy decisions demand mastery of quantitative and policy design and implementation methods in a global context. I'm thrilled to lead this pathbreaking dual-degree program—jointly designed by the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and the Department of Economics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Check out our newly launched website and reach out whether you want to join as a student, partner, or employer sponsor!
- Support educational initiatives at Special Olympics International (SOI) to foster social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. - Lead the evaluation of the impact and implementation of various SOI models as a researcher and consultant, focusing on enhancing program effectiveness. - Conduct studies on the return on investment for various health programs within SOI, aiming to assess and improve their sustainability and impact. - Volunteer to advocate for athletes and partners, working towards improving life conditions and promoting social inclusion efforts for a better quality of life.
- Lead high-impact research and evaluation projects in collaboration with federal and state governments, focusing on economics, policy, and social welfare. - Co-founder and leader of the Disability Practice Area, advancing research in social inclusion and improving opportunities for individuals of all abilities. - Employ advanced econometrics and data science methodologies to pursue rigorous research, contributing to evidence-based policy solutions. - Actively disseminate research findings in high-profile policy forums and directly to policymakers on Capitol Hill, influencing policy decisions and outcomes. - Spearhead fundraising, business development, strategic planning, and partnership building efforts to support and expand the Disability Practice Area. - Committed to enhancing societal well-being through innovative policy solutions, with a special focus on education, health, and disability sectors. In my role as Principal Economist at the American Institutes for Research, a premier nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, I lead high-impact research and evaluation projects that address critical issues at the intersection of economics, policy, and social welfare. My work, in collaboration with federal and state governments, is focused on finding innovative policy solutions to pressing societal challenges, with a significant emphasis on disability, education, and health. Through rigorous research, employing advanced econometrics and data science methodologies, we aim to build opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage meaningfully in social and economic research arenas. I was a frequent presenter in high-profile policy forums and directly to policymakers on Capitol Hill, ensuring our work informs and impacts policymaking. This role demands and has further developed my skills in fundraising, business development, strategic planning, and building partnerships, all directed towards fostering an inclusive society through evidence-based policy solutions.
- Conducted comprehensive economic research to create detailed industry profiles, supporting PwC's insights on market trends and business strategies. - Participated in auditing processes, utilizing PwC's blend of technology and expertise to ensure high-quality audits that offer valuable insights to management and businesses globally.
- Served as a Project Director at NewPath Foundation, established in 1999 by Mr. Zuyu Ye and Ms. Shisheng Zhou, focusing on enhancing social inclusion and education for disadvantaged populations. - Played a pivotal role as one of the founding volunteer members, instrumental in shaping the foundation's direction and impact. - Led the design and implementation of training programs for volunteers, ensuring effective engagement and contribution to our mission. - Developed and directed educational projects aimed at providing comprehensive support to at-risk youth, facilitating their successful reintegration into formal education systems. - Conducted extensive field visits to rural schools in China, assessing needs and building relationships to support educational improvement. - Support fundraising initiatives, securing essential resources for rural school projects and enabling significant enhancements in educational access and quality for underserved communities.