Experience

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  Us department of commerce, economic development administration

  Jun 2008 - Aug 2008

  National programs and performance evaluation intern

  Reviewed performance data of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and determined further data necessary to conduct an impact and cost-benefit analysis on the program

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  Cato institute

  Jun 2009 - May 2011

  Research assistant

  Econometric modeling with SAS and Fortran; explain quantitative results in terms of public policy; provide editorial assistance; and in-depth research of public policy.

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  Institute for justice

  May 2011 - Apr 2017

  Senior research analyst

  • Work with IJ litigators and other team members to develop original research plans that fit our goals• Identify the right methods to address our research questions• Manipulate and analyze large datasets using both descriptive and inferential statistics• Mine research literature on diverse topics looking for new ideas, potential collaborators, and methodological insights• Draft surveys and managing their implementation• Find appropriate datasets; when there aren’t any, find creative ways to build new datasets, work with research associates and/or interns to collect and organize data, including through public records requests• Work with a large federal database of asset seizures and forfeitures• Write clear, accessible reports to share our findings with journalists, policymakers and the general public• Turn those reports into scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles• Conducting media interviews and writing op-eds and letters to the editor Show less

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  John h. schnatter institute for the study of free enterprise

  Apr 2017 - Oct 2017

  Assistant director
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  Foundation for individual rights in education (fire)

  Aug 2017 - Aug 2023

  Survey data consultant

  I provide data validation for FIRE's survey reports.

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  Independent contractor

  Aug 2017 - Dec 2018

  Economist

  Research analyst, data and fact checking, and research strategy development

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  Pacific legal foundation

  Jan 2019 - Feb 2024

  Strategic research director

  Believing that the best way to lead a fulfilling life is by achieving our fullest potential and helping others do the same, I joined PLF to help get government out of people’s way. I am optimistic that individuals and groups are working hard to solve problems and elevate others without the need for government “help.” I run my team with this mindset. My team uncovers and relays facts to the public through data analysis and storytelling. I launched and direct Pacific Legal Foundation’s strategic research team, whose findings can guide better policy on PLF’s biggest issues. Our innovative team does this by using systematic high-quality research and storytelling to share information with opinion leaders, the press, and the public. Show less

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  Foundation for individual rights and expression

  Feb 2024 - now

  Vice president of research