Nicholas Sorensen is a principal researcher at AIR. His research is primarily focused on dropout prevention and helping struggling students succeed across the transition to high school. His work emphasizes the role of social psychological interventions, strategies to support success in algebra and mathematics, and use of early warning systems ...
Jessica Heppen, a nationally recognized expert in education research, policy, and practice, is the president & CEO of AIR. Dr. Heppen been with AIR for 20 years and, in that time, has held several key roles during her tenure.
Robert Nathenson is a senior researcher at AIR. He has over 10 years of experience in the execution of rigorous econometric and behavioral science techniques to applied policy questions in the postsecondary education, pre-k-12 education, and health fields. Dr. Nathenson regularly conducts research using both experimental and quasi-experimental designs. His ...
Kathleen L. Pfannenstiel is a senior researcher at AIR and provides technical assistance and professional development to states and school districts with an emphasis on improving results for students with disabilities. Dr. Pfannenstiel is the principle investigator for an Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) model demonstration grant. She works ...
Barbara Broman is director of cross-cutting strategic initiatives in AIR’s Health and Social Development program. Her responsibilities include identifying and accessing opportunities with federal agencies, states, and foundations; collaborating with other AIR program areas and outside organizations; guiding teams working in and across systems on the conceptualization of ideas and ...
Katie Ports is a principal researcher in the Human Services division at AIR with over 20 years of experience in social science research. Dr. Ports is a nationally known subject matter expert on the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the public health approach to violence prevention.Dr. Ports conducts ...
Mary Kay Dugan is a managing technical assistant consultant at AIR. She is passionate about identifying evidence-based promising practices and translating them into policies and effective programs focused on underserved populations including disadvantaged youth and young adults. Dugan has over 30 years of experience helping federal, state, and local governments ...
Kwelin Waller is senior program manager with the AIR Equity Initiative. Waller works to combine research and technical assistance with real-world applications, leading the Equity Initiative's work in the interconnected areas of workforce development, community health and well-being. Additionally, she leads the AIR Scholars and Leaders Award grant competition, an initiative that ...
Sudie Whalen is a senior technical assistance consultant with AIR working primarily on the California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project (CALPRO) out of the Sacramento office serving as Online Course Coordinator. She also works on other professional development projects specific to adult education and professional learning communities. Specifically, she is ...
Jaime S. Singer is a principal technical assistance consultant at AIR in the Education Systems and Policy program area. Singer is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and subject matter expert in both formal and informal education, with a focus on working across intersecting systems that support youth and their development. She ...