Brian Checksfield
Lead Researcher, Research & Evaluation

Since 2006, Brian has built a career in marketing research with a strong emphasis on balance, adaptability, and effectiveness. Brian developed a solid foundation in research methodologies and analysis during his tenure at Forward Research and Ipsos. Subsequently, he assumed a leadership role as head of the Strategic Insights team at Vail Resorts, overseeing a diverse portfolio of brands. Recognizing the need for specialized research expertise, he established a consulting business to support teams seeking research-driven solutions. His contributions also extended to Medallia, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of the newly formed Research Services team. Brian earned his bachelor's degree in International Business from the University of Missouri. His research interests center on understanding customer interactions with brands and their products/services, ultimately guiding strategic decision-making, fostering innovation, and facilitating effective planning.

Brooks Rosenquist
Manager, Research & Evaluation

Brooks worked for ten years as a classroom teacher in a diverse range of K-12 settings in California, Louisiana, and Taiwan before beginning graduate studies in education. He has a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in Mathematics Education and doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy, both from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. Brooks has published articles in academic journals including American Educational Research Journal, Educational Administration Quarterly, and the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness. Brooks’ research interests include student motivation and engagement, school district policies and practices for instructional improvement at scale, and mixed-methods research.

Kayla Morehead
Senior Analyst, Research & Evaluation

Kayla has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Colorado State University.  She also has a master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology, a doctorate in Cognitive Psychology, and a minor in quantitative methods from Kent State University. After graduating with her doctorate, she worked for three years as an Assessment Coordinator for Rocketship Public Schools, a charter school district based in San Jose, California.  She also worked as a contractor for Pearson, updating their learning design principles on authentic learning and metacognition.  She has expertise in qualitative and quantitative analysis and research design.  She has published articles in academic journals including Memory, Educational Psychology Review, and Memory & Cognition.  Her research interests include student’s self-regulated learning, student’s decision making, and note-taking.

L.B. Aykul
Senior Analyst, Research & Evaluation

L.B. Aykul earned her bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Eckerd College and holds a dual Master's degree in Economic Anthropology and International Development Management from the London School of Economics. She furthered her studies with a Ph.D. in Applied Economic Anthropology from the University of South Florida. Before joining Denver Public Schools, L.B. held associate faculty positions in Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Colorado, Denver and Regis University. Specializing in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, L.B. has a particular emphasis on ethnographic fieldwork and cross-cultural research. Her research interests include the intersection of culture, language, and education, as well as the impact of cultural factors on educational policies and outcomes. 

Nikita Saoji
Senior Analyst, Research & Evaluation

Nikita has a bachelor’s in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Economics from Purdue University. She also has an MPH from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MS in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has worked for universities, children’s hospitals, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, and for the City and County of Denver Child Welfare Department. She has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research. She has published articles in journals including the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, and Diabetic Medicine. Her research interests include impact of mental health on education, social/emotional factors in students, equity issues in k-12 education, and policies that impact academic success. 

Stefanie Pleiss
Director, Research & Evaluation

Stefanie brings almost ten years of analysis to the Program Evaluation Team.  She most recently was a Senior Analyst on AR&D’s Reporting and Data Support team and prior to that she was an English Language Acquisition analyst. Before life at DPS, Stefanie worked at Regis University as Assistant Director of Student Information Systems and Reporting, managing a team focused on admission and enrollment data and analysis.  Formerly, Stefanie taught English abroad, was an ESL paraprofessional, and has enjoyed volunteer teaching English to refugees in Denver.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Nebraska, a master’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Creighton University.