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 ...
Bitnara Jasmine Park is a principal researcher at AIR, where she applies her skills and knowledge to various projects including but not limited to NAEP-related review and research activities, evaluation of literacy interventions, development of literacy assessments for teachers, and evaluation of career development programs targeting individuals with disabilities.Dr. Park ...
Kamal Middlebrook is a research associate at AIR. His primary responsibilities include supporting evidence synthesis and measurement equity across education research. Middlebrook also focuses on equity in the workforce, among other systems across health and human development. He has extensive experience in survey research methods, along with other quantitative methods ...
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 ...
Maura Shramko is a researcher at AIR, where she examines how to create inclusive, supportive environments that promote thriving and well-being for young people and communities.
Dr. Shramko conducts research and evaluation that seeks to shift youth-serving environments by centering the strengths and perspectives of young people and communities who are ...
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 ...
Elizabeth Spier is a principal researcher at AIR. She has over 20 years of experience designing and managing large-scale, policy-relevant studies examining the effectiveness of programs, and interventions designed to improve developmental and educational outcomes for children. Her expertise includes child development, safe and supportive learning environments, child and family ...
Samuel E DeWitt is a senior researcher at AIR. Previously, he spent 7 years as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s (UNC Charlotte) Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology. During his time at UNC Charlotte, Dr. DeWitt served as a co-PI for a National Institute ...
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.
Amy Syvertsen is a principal researcher in AIR’s Youth, Family, and Community Development area. Dr. Syvertsen is an applied developmental scientist, and a content expert in positive youth development in childhood and adolescence with an emphasis on the developmental processes and contextual supports that undergird strong youth-adult relationships and civic ...