In Massachusetts, employers face an acute shortage of data science workers. In partnership with teachers, school counselors, and education leaders across the state, we are helping students gain key knowledge and explore data science fields.
We thank the State of Massachusetts for their support for Data Paths.
Supporting Teachers
- Providing free, high-quality learning resources to foster data literacy
- Professional learning to help K-12 teachers weave important data literacy practices into their classrooms
- Developing a Data Science Standards Crosswalk Guide for teachers
Supporting Students and Career Seekers
- Launching a K-16 Career Hub to support learners in pursuing data careers
- Conducting public outreach to spotlight data science career opportunities
Meet Our Team
Josephine Louie
Read BioJosephine Louie is the director of the Data Paths initiative. An EDC principal research scientist and education R&D leader, she specializes in data literacy and improving K–12 learning. Her work engages teachers and education leaders as active partners in designing innovative programs to boost student outcomes and career success. She focuses on data literacy, STEM education and workforce development, and technology integration. She was an expert panelist for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine workshop Foundations of Data Science for Students in Grades K-12. She holds an EdM and EdD from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Erin Bardar
Read BioErin Bardar is part of Data Paths’ Curriculum Development and Professional Learning team. She is a highly skilled instructional materials designer with expertise in earth science, space science, and data literacy. She has developed educational materials for formal and informal settings for pre-K through undergraduate learners and is committed to creating high-quality experiences that foster critical thinking skills. She holds a PhD and MA in Astronomy from Boston University and an ScB in Physics from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Kristen Bjork
Read BioKristen Bjork is part of Data Paths’ Curriculum Development and Professional Learning team. An experienced instructional design expert and senior manager, she creates authentic, engaging, and innovative learning experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds. She has deep expertise in K–12 education, STEM, technology integration, product development, and R&D. For a decade, she has led EDC’s instructional design work for SAE International’s award-winning A World In Motion® program. Bjork was a research technician in a biotechnology firm before she joined EDC. She holds an AB in Biology from Dartmouth College.
Amy Brodesky
Read BioAmy Brodesky is part of Data Paths’ Curriculum Development and Professional Learning team. She has extensive experience in elementary and middle grades mathematics education, online and blended learning, strategies to improve outcomes for students with learning disabilities, and effective methods to help teachers assess and address students’ strengths and needs. She has created numerous online and blended PD courses and is the lead developer of an innovative PD model addressing teachers’ wide range of knowledge, needs, and interests. She holds an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Emily Fagan
Read BioEmily Fagan is part of Data Paths’ Curriculum Development and Professional Learning team. She is an expert in the use of formative assessment to support teachers in addressing students’ needs and strengths and has published multiple books on the topic. She specializes in instructional design, professional development, instructional coaching, and strategies to promote success for struggling learners. Before joining EDC, she taught high school and middle grades mathematics and social studies. She holds an AB from Harvard in Economics with a concentration in Mathematics and is a certified mathematics and social studies teacher.
Maddie Johnson
Read BioMaddie Johnson is Data Paths’ Project Coordinator. She specializes in creating strong systems and support mechanisms that ensure the smooth operations of complex initiatives. She is passionate about helping improve student outcomes, with a focus on STEM education and career readiness. She contributes her event management, curriculum development, and project coordination expertise to multiple EDC projects. She is completing an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, with a concentration in STEM, at Pennsylvania State University and holds a BS in Education Studies from Wilmington University.
Jane Kang
Read BioJane Kang is part of Data Paths’ Curriculum Development and Professional Learning team. Her experience as a high school mathematics teacher and teacher leader informs all of her work. She brings 20 years of experience in mathematics and computer science education and research and is the co-author of two books focused on effective Algebra instruction. Her areas of expertise include instructional design, teacher professional development, implementation research, and educational R&D. Kang holds a PhD in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Victor Mateas
Read BioVictor Mateas is part of Data Paths’ Curriculum Development and Professional Learning team. He is an experienced educator, researcher, and instructional designer specializing in mathematics, science, data science, and computer science. For over 13 years, he has advanced innovative initiatives to support teachers in enhancing instruction and improving outcomes for middle school and high school students. His work is informed by his experience teaching high school mathematics and science in the Boston Public Schools. He holds an EdD in Curriculum and Teaching from Boston University.
Johannah Nikula
Read BioJohannah Nikula is Data Paths’ Educator/District Liaison. As a senior manager and project leader, she brings decades of experience partnering with teachers, administrators, and state departments of education to develop high-quality and engaging instructional resources and conduct applied research focused on improvement. She leads a body of work that advances knowledge of how to make engaging, rigorous mathematics accessible to all learners and has published multiple books and articles on the topic. She holds an EdM from Harvard University Graduate School of Education with a Technology in Education focus.
Heather Sherwood
Read BioHeather Sherwood is a Lead Resource Developer for Data Paths. She leads materials development, research, evaluation, and R&D initiatives that deepen understanding of effective strategies to enhance the quality of education. A former elementary-grade teacher, she has over 20 years of expertise in pre-K–8 instructional design, resource development, and teacher support. Her current work focuses on effective strategies to support schools in providing high-quality computational thinking education. She holds an MA in Digital Media Design for Learning from New York University.
Jennifer Stiles
Read BioJennifer Stiles is a Researcher for Data Paths. She has over a decade of experience in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, evaluation, knowledge mobilization, project management, and research communications. She co-leads the CADRE Fellows Program, a highly effective mentoring program for scholars in STEM education. She also advances innovative R&D to strengthen preK-12 education and propel school readiness and success. She holds an MA in Sustainable International Development from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.
Nora van Wassenaer
Read BioNora van Wassenaer is a Researcher for Data Paths. She is an experienced quantitative and qualitative researcher with strong statistical analysis and project management skills. Her research interests include STEM education, early learning and cognition, and educational technology. She has expertise in survey research, survey design, SPSS Statistics, literature reviews, evaluation, and data visualization. Recently, she served as a researcher for EDC’s Young Mathematicians program. She holds an MS in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.