Rhea Acuña

Social Science Analyst

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

• Training in causal inference and program evaluation aimed at estimating the impact of policy or programmatic interventions. • Nearly eight years of professional experience in data management and quantitative analysis within the social policy field in government and non-profit sectors. • Strong communication skills with substantial experience in presenting research and analysis to academic and non-academic audiences through reports, manuscripts, briefs, and presentations.

Experience

  • Adjunct Instructor at DePaul University
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Social Science Analyst at Department of Housing and Urban Development
    Aug 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

  • Research Analyst at Reinvestment Fund
    Jul 2015 - Jul 2018 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Conducted quantitative and qualitative research to support Policy Solutions’ work with external clients and internal impact assessments of Reinvestment Funds's investments. Research areas include food access, early childhood, and housing markets.

  • Senior Research Analyst at University of Maryland School of Social Work, The Institute for Innovation and Implementation
    Jun 2014 - Jun 2015 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Engaged in multiple research projects related to improving the well-being of children and families that required me to review academic journals and professional publications, extract relevant information, synthesize findings, and develop recommendations for reports. • Part of the team that collected and analyzed individual level data of participants of evidence-based practices to report and monitor progress of service providers and youth outcomes.

  • Carnegie Mellon University - H. John Heinz III College (Greater Pittsburgh Area)
    • Research Assistant
      Jan 2014 - May 2014 · 5 mos

      • Utilized STATA to download raw data files, process datasets for analyses, and write do files for reproducibility on a project that explores the relationship between education and mortality.

    • Research Assistant
      Oct 2013 - Dec 2013 · 3 mos

      • Utilized IMPLAN to estimate economic impact from capital expenditures, operational staffing hires, and tourist spending for a cultural institution in Pittsburgh as part of a grant application for the State of Pennsylvania.