Neil has more than 20 years of experience in education research. He has expertise in econometric and evaluation methodology, including the design and analysis of education policy evaluations using random assignment and quasi-experimental methods. He has collaborated with education stakeholders and practitioners to facilitate the use of rigorous methods applied to education, supported principal investigators in designing and conducting studies, and promoted the understanding of technical information by non-technical audiences. He brings a wealth of experience combining critical thinking, ingenuity, and strong communication skills with well-developed project management and leadership abilities to provide efficient and effective delivery of high-quality work.

Since joining NORC in May 2022, Neil has led strategic project and business development efforts related to increasing student success in transitioning to postsecondary education. He currently serves as co-principal investigator for the Initial Efficacy Evaluation of an Action Civics Program funded by a U.S. Department of Education (ED) grant; co-principal investigator for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Program Evaluation for the National Science Foundation; subject matter expert for National Center for Education Research/National Center for Special Education Research Broadening Participation in Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Grant Programs for ED; evaluation lead for the On-ramp to Postsecondary Transitions Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant for ED; and evaluation lead for the study of Washington Family Engagement Centers.

In previous work for ED, he evaluated Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, Talent Search, teacher induction programs, moving high-performing teachers, and elementary math curricula. He has more than 13 years of experience on ED’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) including four years as project director and co-principal investigator. For the WWC, he participated in the development of several sets of design standards and tools to apply the standards in practice, as well as creating new products that were accessible to diverse audiences. Other previous work includes five EIR grants, applied research lead for a Regional Educational Laboratory, and research director and co-principal investigator for IES’s Postsecondary Teaching with Technology Collaborative Research & Development Center.