Research & Evaluation Leader
Researcher • Evaluator • Capacity Builder • Evidence Translator
“Building the evidence, and the organizational capacity to use it — from strategy and culture to classrooms, agencies, and policy tables.”
I am a director-level research and evaluation leader who has spent her career at the intersection of evidence and action — first as a classroom teacher and instructional coach, then as a program director, and now as a research scientist and independent consultant.
With over a decade of experience developing regional and national research agendas, I specialize in managing rigorous applied research and evaluation portfolios and translating complex evidence into guidance that actually reaches and moves policymakers and practitioners.
I have a proven record of leading randomized controlled trials and mixed-methods studies, supervising research teams and external consultants, cultivating diverse research partnerships, and advancing evidence use. My work has touched every level of the education system — from individual classrooms to federal policy.
Known for collaborative leadership and strong relationship-building across sectors, I work with organizations, agencies, and institutions seeking a rigorous, experienced partner for their research, evaluation, and evidence-use work.
I also work with organizations at earlier stages of their evidence journey — helping teams build the strategy, systems, and shared understanding needed to use evidence well. This includes articulating theory of change and logic models, assessing current data collection and data use capacity, navigating data privacy considerations, and cultivating organizational cultures in which evidence is understood, valued, and applied to improve programs and decision-making.
From teaching in schools to directing federal research programs — a trajectory grounded in practice and driven by evidence.
Developing regional and national research agendas in partnership with funders, agencies, and practitioner communities — aligning inquiry to real-world decision needs.
Designing and overseeing randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and mixed-methods evaluations that meet the highest standards of scientific rigor.
Building and sustaining productive researcher–practitioner partnerships with state education agencies, school districts, foundations, and federal sponsors.
Translating complex findings into policy memos, research briefs, and presentations that move decision-makers from awareness to action.
Supervising research scientists, associates, and external consultants with a collaborative, coaching-oriented approach that develops talent and sustains quality.
Leading successful proposals for foundation, federal, and state funding; reviewing and advising on grantee readiness for rigorous evaluation.
Leading systematic reviews for the What Works Clearinghouse and other meta-analytic efforts, advancing evidence to the highest tiers of the ESSA evidence continuum.
Facilitating multi-stakeholder convenings — state agencies, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers — to build consensus and advance shared research and policy goals.
Building organizational strategy and culture around program evaluation and evidence use — articulating theory of change and logic models, assessing data collection and data use capacity, and cultivating shared organizational understanding of how evidence can be applied to improve programs and decisions.
Documenting existing data systems and data use practices, identifying capacity gaps, and navigating data privacy considerations — helping organizations build a sound, ethical foundation for evidence-informed practice.
Ryan, S., Ream, R. K., Martin, M., Shim, J., Brooks, M., & Yen, I. H. (2023). Education and Urban Society.
Cohen, A. K., Ryan, S., Smith, L. H., Ream, R. K., Glymour, M. M., Lopez, A., & Yen, I. H. (2021). Race and Social Problems, 14, 208–222.
Ryan, S. (Guest Blogger). American Youth Policy Forum. Examines conditions under which collaboration yields positive, sustained changes in support of student success.
15+ peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, research reports, and practitioner-focused publications spanning education policy, multilingual learners, school mobility, and researcher–practitioner partnerships.
Analysis examining how social capital within parent networks shapes postsecondary attainment and what policymakers can do to address persistent gaps.
Reflections on the REL program and the role of researcher–practitioner partnerships in building an actionable evidence base for education.
Guidance for education agencies on mobilizing evidence to support student recovery, drawing on evaluation and research partnership insights.
Discusses the conditions under which collaboration yields positive, sustained changes in support of student success.
Whether you are looking for a research partner, an independent evaluator, a consultant who can translate complex evidence into action, or an organizational partner to help build your capacity for evidence use and program evaluation — I would love to explore how we might work together.
Madison, Wisconsin · sarah@sryanresearch.com