About Dr. Liz Gilkey
drlizgilkey.net
I’m a mixed-methods researcher, educator, and systems thinker with more than two decades of experience in K–12 and postsecondary education. I partner with schools, nonprofits, and leaders to turn data into insight and insight into action.
Whether I’m analyzing longitudinal datasets, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, or translating research for policy and practice, my focus is the same: expanding opportunity for students from historically underserved backgrounds and strengthening the systems that shape people’s lives. I care deeply about rigor, clarity, and equity—and about making complex ideas accessible and useful.
Skills
+ Mixed-methods research design and evaluation
+ Quantitative analysis (SPSS, SQL, Tableau, longitudinal/admin data)
+ Qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, document analysis, observations)
+ Survey design, administration, and analysis
+ Data technical assistance and data-use coaching
+ Postsecondary access and persistence research
+ Cross-sector data systems and transition indicators
+ Project leadership and partner management
+ Proposal development and grant reporting
+ Equity-centered research and culturally responsive approaches
+ Executive-level reporting and policy translation
Experience
Founder & Principal | Educational Methods Group | 2013–present
- Consult with educational organizations on strategic planning and data-informed improvement.
- Deliver data-use coaching and leadership training on articulating impact with evidence.
- Design tools and frameworks to support organizational learning.
Founder & Coach | Beyond College & Career Counseling | 2018-present
- Coach young adults ages 14 to 24 on how to identify life goals and make plans to achieve them.
- Workshops and facilitated discussions.
- Speaking engagements on college and career readiness research and the topic, “What’s After High School?”
Research & Evaluation Manager | Portland Public Schools – Office of Accountability & Equity | 2021–2025
- Led large-scale qualitative and quantitative research to inform district policy and practice.
- Supervised a team of professional evaluators; oversaw project scoping, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Provided data-focused technical assistance to district leaders, supporting interpretation and application of findings.
- Conducted administrative data analyses and surveys to inform equity initiatives, including the Successful Schools Survey, one of the largest annual collections in Oregon.
- Produced partner-facing briefs, presentations, and tools for Cabinet and senior administrators.
- Managed multiple high-stakes research projects concurrently.
Education Assessment Program Manager | Friends of the Children (Portland/SWWA) | 2019–2021
- Managed six professional mentors and bilingual education coordinator.
- Developed and implemented assessments and interventions supporting academic progress.
- Partnered with the University of Oregon to implement an online High Dosage Tutoring program during the pandemic.
- Used program and student data to guide instructional decision-making.
Senior Data Analyst & Project Manager | Quantiful | 2012–2017
- Senior analyst for national evaluation of the McNair Scholars Program (U.S. Department of Education, TRIO).
- Conducted longitudinal data merges and advanced quantitative analyses using SPSS.
- Managed evaluation reporting and federal deliverables.
- Reports went to US Congress and used to allocate program funding to over 150 universities.
Education Specialist II (Kindergarten Assessment) | Oregon Department of Education | 2014–2015
- Managed statewide Kindergarten Assessment, administered to all Oregon Kindergarteners.
- Facilitated advisory committees and prepared official testing documentation.
- Managed assessment development and field testing processes.
Lead Researcher | Educational Policy Improvement Center (now called Inflexion) | 2009–2013
- Led mixed-methods research projects; supervised 3–6 staff.
- Managed project budgets, grants, and deliverables.
- Conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses; produced technical and practitioner-facing reports.
Researcher | Center for Educational Leadership & Effective Schools, UCSB | 2005–2007
- Conducted qualitative research and technical assistance for districts under NCLB Program Improvement.
- Supported districts in interpreting findings and implementing improvement strategies.
Education
Ph.D., Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership | University of Oregon
J.D., Law | University of Oregon School of Law
M.A., Educational Leadership and Organizations | University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A., English | Reed College