Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in social research, evaluation and program implementation. Over the past 21+ years, I worked at Abt on a variety of different evaluations of education, child care, healthcare, housing and other social programs designed to improve quality of life, especially among the most disadvantaged populations in the U.S. I worked as part of numerous teams to develop rigorous methodological designs that ensure the collection and analysis of high-quality data that may be reliably used by policymakers. My responsibilities ranged from directing data collection efforts to playing an integral role in the analysis and report writing. Over the past 5 years, I primarily worked as a senior programmer analyst.

• Lead programmer on numerous projects -- outlined scope of work, tasks and project schedule, estimated time and resources, managed timelines, wrote programming instructions, delegated assignments and supervised both internal and external programming staff• Worked with project directors to determine the most efficient way to generate analysis variables that answered the project’s research questions -- mined data, extracted useful information and patterns from complex datasets, wrote analysis plans• Reconstructed complex and “messy” datasets to include analysis variables that provided meaningful information -- created aggregate variables from unequally spaced time-series data, merged data files that lacked a unique identifier, merged data files that included a one-to-many relationship with files that include one record per sample unit, “cleaned” logic errors, imputed values• Standardized data collected in various file formats and layouts -- e.g., wrote programs to map and convert various file types (e.g., MS Access, Excel, macro-enabled Word forms, SAS, SPSS and scanned PDF documents) to the XML structure that met the client’s schematics • Programmed reusable SAS macros and other automation tools to use in data analysis and reporting• Mentored junior programming staff, providing training, advice, and problem-solving consultation• Designed user-friendly web-based surveys -- made use of various technical features to minimize logic errors and incomplete data, developed CSS and JavaScript code for features not built into the platform• Created public use datasets for highly sensitive projects taking various steps to adhere to its confidentiality clause -- removed or reconstructed variables that included PII, PHI and identified other indirect identifiers• Worked with Abt’s Enterprise Analytics team to design and test a rigorous multiple regression model that could, with statistical certainty, calculate PWIN and methods improve chances of winning proposals.

• Built analysis files by cleaning, validating and merging survey data and creating new research variables and constructs to effectively answer research questions• Performed advanced statistical analyses • Wrote technical and analytical sections of research reports and proposals• Worked with a team to create a coding system and instructions for extracting and presenting findings from evaluation reports and rating “strength of evidence” • Designed comprehensive, user-friendly relational database systems to manage/monitor data collection and drive productivity and communication• Maintained and updated administrative database files for several different government programs and generated reports and analyses upon request• Helped select the best methodology for particular projects and design data collection protocol, survey instruments and analysis plans• Directed national data collection projects -- supervised sample releases and survey reminder efforts, ran regular team meetings, generated and reviewed progress reports, communicated with clients and sub-contractors, delegated and supervised project tasks, provided training and assistance to junior staff• Wrote instruction manuals and codebooks for data collectors (including local government agencies) to use when submitting data for analysis, trained data collectors and provided technical support

• Reviewed survey instruments ensuring analysis variables could be effectively programmed to answer the research questions• Quantified qualitative information collected from interviews, literature reviews and open-ended responses using coding software like NVivo and Endnote • Coded research methodology and outcomes for meta-analysis projects including an evaluation of early childhood education and another on informal child care• Conducted on-site interviews with local government and program directors and extracted and synthesize data from the field reports• Wrote SAS tests and cleaned survey data for analysis• Wrote data collection manuals, project guidelines and other study forms

• Supervised various types of data collection efforts, including telephone interviews, CATI surveys, in-person interviews, field observations, and mail surveys• Collected data via phone and in-person interviews, field observations and by helping to facilitate focus groups• Conducted interviewer trainings and provided ongoing technical assistance and guidance to data collectors• Used various means to locate difficult-to-find sample members• Monitored survey budgets, attended contract reviews and strategized ways to control costs• Communicated to internal management and external clients on project status and resource issues and efforts to meet project deadlines and expectations• Trained and managed both data entry staff and the data prep staff responsible for coding data and preparing initial data files

Worked with state contacts and respondents to ensure that questionnaires were completed accurately and that all necessary documentation was provided; proofread the work of co-workers and worked to ensure that errors were minimized; prepared questionnaires for data entry and maintained contact with the data entry house; cleaned the survey data as it returned from the data entry house; uploaded batches of clean data to the master survey database; and partitioned new data to state clients via an Internet bulletin board.

As a graduate student intern, I designed and conducted an evaluation of the TEMP-UP program. Responsible for study design, questionnaire lay-out, sample design, data collection, coding and editing surveys, data entry, cleaning, processing and analyzing data, generating a report and presenting findings and recommendations to Welfare department administrators.

I maintained the center's computerized database and non-computerized filing system; tabulated/analyzed data on conference and think tank participants; conducted library research; assisted in improving the center's computer environment; managed the center's main VAX accounts; managed the sales and purchasing of publications; and performed general clerical duties.

Collected data through field observations of traffic conditions, car speeds, seat belts and motorcycle helmet usage.

Research Assistant for the Quantitative, Focus and Field departments. Coded, cleaned and tabulated data; collected data through telephone, person-to-person, and mail-back surveys; performed general project management duties; maintained database of respondents; and assisted with focus group projects.

Administered telephone surveys designed to analyze public opinions on issues surrounding the 1992 national and state elections.

Alpha Omega is a residential group care facility for juvenile delinquent boys. Responsibilities included analyzing records, individual counseling, assisting in group therapy, monitoring small groups of residents and academic tutoring.