David Naff is the Director of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium. He is a graduate of the Educational Psychology PhD program in the VCU School of Education. His research focuses on supporting research use through diverse dissemination strategies in PK-12 schools participating in research-practice partnerships. Dr. Naff is a principal investigator on the MERC Equitable Access and Support for Advanced Coursework and Supporting Mental Health in Schools studies. He was previously a principal investigator on the MERC https://merc.soe.vcu.edu/media/merc/project-archives-buttons/EquityinDisciplineButton.jpg. He is the host of the MERC podcast Abstract, and leads planning efforts for the annual MERC Summit. He is also an Associate Director for the Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Foundations of Education in the VCU School of Education. Prior to coming to MERC, Dr. Naff served as a high school counselor for four years in North Carolina. 

Paula Ogston-Nobile, PhD is the Associate Director of the Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation. In this role, Paula coordinates and designs research and evaluation projects for wide-ranging educational programs. Her background bridges higher education, the nonprofit sector, state agencies, and public education. Paula’s research interests and professional goals are focused on ensuring that students, families, and educators have the resources they need to thrive. Prior to joining MERC, Dr. Ogston-Nobile worked in research and evaluation with VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities as well as VCU’s Literacy Institute. Dr. Ogston-Nobile received her PhD from the Department of Psychology's Developmental Program in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences.

Dr. Corning is currently Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, and holds an appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Research Scientist at the Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. At VCU, she is engaged with the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium on a study of college access needs and resources throughout the state of Virginia, and is currently the lead evaluator on our longitudinal evaluation of CodeRVA Regional High School. She has worked for a number of years on National Science Foundation-funded research on collective memory coordinated through the University of Michigan, in connection with which she has co-authored a book and published articles. Her experience in planning and managing research projects and her background in a range of research methods will support the proposed project. She has been involved in studies relating to survey methodology, and has worked extensively with surveys, from design and planning to analysis of survey data. In addition, she has carried out qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews, as well as of responses to open-ended survey questions.

Meleah supports a broad scope of research and evaluation projects for various school divisions, higher education institutions, community organizations, and governmental agencies. Dr. Ellison has research and evaluation experience across multiple settings, including K-12 education, mental health, higher education, and philanthropic initiatives. Her past work in educational equity, college access, social consciousness, and leadership development has centered on amplifying the voices and experiences of individuals, families, and communities systematically excluded from equitable educational, personal, and professional opportunities. Dr. Ellison earned her Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University.

Jamelle supports a diverse research and evaluation portfolio related to educational programs across various institutions and organizations. With a background in bioengineering, he brings experience in research, teaching, coaching, and mentoring from multiple settings. His areas of interest include student development, student success, workforce development, policy for science, and equity and inclusion. Having served in diverse roles in higher education, including student support, programming, and administration, Dr. Simmons brings additional experience to the Institute for Collaborative Evaluation and Research (ICRE) team. Before joining ICRE, he worked as the Louis Sullivan Science Policy Fellow for Research!America, focusing on projects aimed at broadening STEM participation, building strategic partnerships, and increasing support for science and innovation. Dr. Simmons earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Albion has worked with numerous schools, colleges, and non-profits as an administrator, teacher, and counselor. Most recently, he has been involved in supporting educational organizations with program development and evaluation through consulting projects. Due to his various roles in education, Dr. Sumrell understands the complex challenges that educators encounter in supporting their students. His research interests include college and career readiness and building effective pipelines between secondary and postsecondary institutions. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans.

Xun is the methodologist for the Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation. In this role, she provides statistical support for ICRE’s research and evaluation projects for wide-ranging educational programs. Dr. Liu is also a research assistant professor in the department of Foundations of Education. Her research interests and professional goals are focused on quantitative research methods and statistics (structural equation modeling, longitudinal modeling, multilevel modeling, mixture modeling, machine learning, social network analysis etc.), marriage and family studies, and social and emotional development in early childhood. Dr. Liu earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining ICRE, Dr. Liu was a methodologist in the Office of Research and Faculty Development at VCU School of Education, providing consultation to faculty and graduate students for publications and grant applications.