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Brian Checksfield
Lead Researcher, Research & EvaluationSince 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 & EvaluationBrooks 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.
Fayaz Amiri
Senior Analyst, Research & EvaluationFayaz Amiri is an Afghan Fulbright scholar, pursuing his Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver. He has a master’s in Comparative and International Education from Lehigh University, as well as a B.A in English Language and Literature from Kabul University. Fayaz has extensive work experience with various national and international organizations such as the Ministry of Higher Education in Afghanistan, New York University, Lehigh University, the University of Denver, and Creative Associates International. Before joining DPS, Fayaz worked as a Project Manager for ATR Consulting and Education Advisor for Catholic Relief Services in Afghanistan. His research interests include understanding the role of newcomer programs in helping immigrant children excel in their education needs and addressing the gap that exists between education policy and practice.
Jolene Castillo Gregory
Lead Researcher, Research & EvaluationJolene previously worked as an EFL Teacher in Mexico for 15 years and as an instructor and researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz for 5 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology/Pre-med from Colorado State University, a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the Universidad Veracruzana in Mexico, as well as a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis, research design, and project evaluation. Her primary research interests include translanguaging, bilingual education, culturally relevant pedagogy and equity issues in K-12 education.
Kayla Morehead
Senior Analyst, Research & EvaluationKayla 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 & EvaluationL.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 & EvaluationNikita 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.
Vacant
Director, Research & Evaluation
