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

 





October 08, 2025

 

 

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   ![Ashley Pierson](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2025-10/Ashley%20Pierson%20%283%29.png?itok=7XR1bPEC) 

 

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.



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ 2025 - 2027 Alumni Advisory Board ](/tags/2025-2027-alumni-advisory-board)
- [ Alumni Advisory Board ](/news/alumni-advisory-board)
 
 

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