For about seven years, I worked as a researcher and analyst of higher education practices. I interviewed hundreds of community college and university executives and developed frameworks to help them implement reforms. I have studied college access, financial aid, dual enrollment, community college transfer, and financial operations. Below is a collection of my published work.
Research Briefs & Reports
Lessons from a Multi-College Transfer Partnership
The Aspen Institute and Kent State University
December 2022
Rural Transfer Pathways: Balancing Individual and Community Needs
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
August 2021
Improving Clarity in Financial Aid Offers: Content & Design Recommendations for Transparent Student Communications
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
August 2021
- This research was cited by Inside Higher Ed.
The Dual Enrollment Playbook: A Guide to Equitable Acceleration for Students
The Aspen Institute and Community College Research Center
October 2020
- I presented this research at numerous conferences. One of these appearances was referenced in a popular Inside Higher Ed blog.
Blueprint for Enrolling a Diverse Student Body
EAB
2018
- This is a four-part series of research briefs. I was interviewed and quoted in Higher Ed Dive due to this research .
Blogs & Opinion Pieces
Twenty Percent of Community College Student Are in High School. Now What?
New America
July 2023
What Biden’s Investing in America Initiative Means for Community Colleges
New America
June 2023
What We Do (and Don’t) Know About Noncredit Workforce Programs
New America
May 2023
Transfer Data Stories: Opportunities to Improve Transfer Enrollment and Outcomes
Inside Higher Ed
December 2021
- This blog incorporates data analysis from five infographics that I also developed.
Making Transfer Work for Rural Students and Communities
Inside Higher Ed
November 2021
Biden’s free community college plan won’t succeed without robust transfer strategies
Higher Ed Dive
August 2021
10 questions on procurement leaders’ minds for 2019
EAB
December 2018
Higher ed’s most pressing immigration questions, answered
EAB
April 2017
Gelsey Mehl 