Lisa Simmons
LISA SIMMONS
Research Manager
Lisa has a wealth of experience using quantitative and qualitative data to understand complex problems and provide informed recommendations to businesses and nonprofits situated at the intersections of higher education and community initiatives. Transforming data and findings into evidence-based perspectives and recommendations is her favorite part of the work. As Research Manager, she helps write, design, build, and analyze data from surveys, and also, conducts qualitative interviews and focus groups, and contributes to other ad-hoc research projects in support of secondary research initiatives at the firm.
Before joining Art & Science Group, Lisa spent 10 years managing all aspects of large-scale survey projects with K-12 and higher education stakeholders and private industry partners. As a research faculty member at Auburn University, Lisa worked on projects focused on external and program evaluations that supported the increase of educational access and outcomes for disadvantaged student populations through STEM-based programming. Previously, she also worked at a high-security juvenile detention center that used data and research to inform treatment and release from incarceration.
Since joining the firm, Lisa has worked on large-scale research projects for a wide range of clients, including colleges and universities—such as Rice University, Bates College, University of Virginia, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, Allegheny College, Butler University, Susquehanna University, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, University of Arkansas, Whitman College, St. Olaf College, Cranbrook Academy of Art, University of Pennsylvania, Stonehill College, Gettysburg College—and independent schools—such as The Nueva School, The Governors Academy, Norfolk Academy, and Penn Charter School.
Lisa has served in multiple leadership roles in professional associations such as the American Evaluation Association and the Southeast Evaluation Association.
Beyond the Work
When not lost in complex data tables, Lisa can be found seeking out new places to walk or ride bikes with the family rescue dogs, Sophie, a husky mix, and Phoebe, a corgi mix. An ardent supporter and devotee of National Sandwich Day, she honors and celebrates the day appropriately every November 3rd and continues to demonstrate her devotion to sandwiches while tailgating with friends and family and cheering on the Tigers at Auburn games.
Education
B.A. Psychology, Auburn University
M.A. Developmental Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
Ph.D. Educational Psychology and Program Evaluation, Auburn University