Q&A with Ashley Pierson, Cohort 5 SDP Fellow Alumna

Ashley Pierson, PhD, is a senior researcher at AIR with over 15 years of experience conducting applied research and directing projects. Dr. Pierson has experience leading experimental and quasi-experimental studies, including applied research projects in early learning, K-12, and postsecondary settings. She is skilled at translating research into actionable findings for policymakers and practitioners and has led multiple research-practice partnerships. Previously, Pierson was a leader in applied research and evaluation at Education Northwest, an assistant policy analyst at the RAND Corporation, and a project coordinator at Innovations for Poverty Action. Pierson holds a Ph.D. in policy analysis from the RAND Graduate School.  

What drew you to the SDP Fellowship? What did you do prior to the SDP Fellowship? How did you get started in the education data/policy field? 

Prior to the SDP Fellowship, I was working on my PhD and had already worked in applied research (in education and international development) for about 5 years. I was excited about the chance for a first role post-PhD that would support me in continuing to learn about data strategy and analytics. 

What is the most memorable or impactful moment or experience from your time as an SDP Fellow? 

All of the convenings with my cohort were powerful experiences where we were able to come together and learn. 

Tell us about your current job.  

I'm currently a Senior Researcher at the American Institutes for Research. I work on multiple education research and evaluation projects across the country. My days include team meetings, conducting analyses, writing up findings, and discussing results with partners. 

What skills did you gain from your time as a SDP Fellow that you find helpful in your current role? 

As a SDP Fellow, I learned how to present information to district and state decision-makers. A decade later, this is a skillset I still use all of the time. 

What advice would you give for prospective SDP Fellows? What would you say to encourage prospective applicants to apply? 

The SDP fellowship can advance your career and gives you an amazing professional network. 

What, if anything, are you currently watching or reading? 

I recently finished reading Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora and would highly recommend it.