Q&A with Christos Giannoulis, Cohort 2 SDP-CTE Fellow Alumnus
This Q&A is part of an SDP Blog series profiling members of the 2023 – 2025 SDP Alumni Advisory Board. All posts from this series may be found here.
Christos Giannoulis, a Senior Institutional Research Analyst at Valencia College in Orlando, FL, is a Cohort 2 (2021-2022) alumnus of the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Fellowship, sponsored by the ECMC Foundation. The SDP-CTE Fellowship supported postsecondary institutions with career and technical training programs in using data to uncover insights to help CTE students to thrive in college, in the workforce, and in life.
Christos was nominated into the SDP-CTE Fellowship by Valencia College, where he was already working at the time, to analyze outcomes for all first-time students who enrolled seeking a degree or certificate and establish a clear set of completion data and metrics based on student characteristics, chosen pathways, and program attributes. (Read more about Christos’ SDP-CTE capstone project here.)
Since 2017, Christos has led strategic analytic projects for Valencia College in four key areas: student enrollment, student transfer success, student career credentialing, and student achievement/graduation.
Prior to his role at Valencia College, Christos was a Senior Institutional Research Analyst, instructor, and postdoctoral researcher at Florida Institute of Technology. Christos holds a Ph.D. from the University of Ioannina and an M.S. from the University of the Aegean.
What drew you to the Strategic Data Project?
I was drawn to SDP by the opportunity to apply my analytical skills to real-world education challenges and make a meaningful impact on student outcomes. Prior to the fellowship, I worked as a Senior Institutional Research Analyst at Florida Institute of Technology, where I focused on uncovering reporting and analytics-related challenges and developing comprehensive solutions.
How did you get started in the education data / education policy industry?
My journey into the education data/policy industry began with my academic background in research and data analysis, which naturally evolved into a career focused on using data to inform educational policy and improve student success. Driven by a curiosity to understand complex systems and a desire to make a broader impact, I transitioned into the world of data science. Over the years, I mastered techniques ranging from inferential statistics to machine learning through continuous learning and practical application. This evolution was fueled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to leveraging data for strategic decision-making.
Over the past two decades, I have led numerous projects designed to produce and utilize data for enhancing organizational outcomes. My role as a data scientist allows me to answer complex research questions and provide actionable insights that support the mission and goals of various institutions.
Tell us about your current job!
As a Senior Institutional Research Analyst at Valencia College, I lead predictive analytics projects and empower data-informed decision-making and strategy formulation. My role involves transforming complex data into actionable insights that support the college's mission and goals. Each day involves a blend of data analysis, report generation, and collaboration with various stakeholders. I build self-service reporting tools, validate predictive models, conduct in-depth statistical analyses to inform strategic initiatives, and train and mentor team members to enhance their data literacy and analytical skills.
A typical day starts with reviewing ongoing projects and setting priorities. I might then conduct data extraction and analysis using tools like SAS, SQL, and Tableau. Midday often involves meetings with senior leaders, administrators, and faculty to discuss findings and their implications. By presenting clear, actionable recommendations based on data analysis, I help implement strategies that improve learning conditions for our students.
The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing how data-informed insights—whether it's identifying at-risk students or helping administrators make informed policy decisions—make a tangible difference to student outcomes.
What changes do you anticipate in your field in the next year?
In the next year, I anticipate a greater emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and machine learning techniques in educational institutions. There will likely be a continued focus on improving student outcomes through personalized learning and interventions, as well as an increased use of data visualization tools to make complex data more accessible and actionable for stakeholders.
What skills did you gain from your time as an SDP-CTE Fellow that you find helpful in your current role?
During my time as a fellow, I honed my skills in measurement and analysis, leadership, and change management. These skills allowed me to leverage data for strategic decision-making and develop a deeper understanding of educational policy and evidence-based interventions. By applying these skills, I have driven initiatives that improve learning conditions and promote student success at Valencia College. This experience has equipped me with the ability to lead from any position and achieve organizational goals.
What advice would you give to prospective SDP Fellows?
For prospective SDP Fellows, my advice is to embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to new ideas and approaches, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. The fellowship provides a unique platform to collaborate with like-minded individuals and apply your skills to make a tangible difference. The SDP Fellowship is an invaluable experience that will enhance your skills, expand your professional network, and provide you with the tools to drive positive change in education.
What is something that you would tell your younger self about your career?
I would tell my younger self to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. The skills and experiences you gain along the way will be invaluable. Trust in your ability to adapt and evolve and remember that resilience and perseverance are key to achieving your goals.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a scientist. I was always fascinated by the natural world and curious about how things worked. This curiosity and passion for discovery have stayed with me throughout my life and have been a driving force in my career.
What is something you enjoy in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring nature, which allows me to unwind and recharge while appreciating the beauty of the natural world. I also cherish spending time with my family. Additionally, I enjoy reading books on a variety of topics, from data science and technology to history and philosophy.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading "You Are a Data Person: Strategies for Using Analytics on Campus" by Amelia Parnell. As a data person, this book is especially relevant for me as it explores practical strategies for improving data literacy within higher education. It emphasizes the need to adapt data literacy and storytelling to different audiences, which is essential for making data-informed insights more accessible and impactful. This book is helping me refine my approach to data communication, ensuring that complex data is understandable and actionable for all stakeholders at my college.
What else should we know about you?
One fun fact about me is that I am fluent in three languages—Greek, English, and German—and I am learning Spanish. This has been incredibly useful in my professional life, as it allows me to connect with a diverse range of people and understand different perspectives. I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, which is a great way to relax and express my creativity.