Todd joined the I2D2 team in 2019 with backgrounds in data management, quantitative research methodology, and program evaluation. He currently co-leads design and implementation of data processing protocols, data integration and record linkage algorithms, and project analysis planning. His research interests focus on the interplay between individual, family, and contextual factors as influences on child developmental trajectories.
Jeff joined I2D2 in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience working with state and local decision-makers to inform strategic planning for children, youth, and families. In his role with I2D2 he supports the mission of evidence-based decision-making by working with stakeholders to ensure data are both used in strategic planning and that data and analytics are informed by high-priorities of ECI and the State of Iowa as a whole.
Before joining the I2D2 team as a data scientist in 2021, Gio worked as a data manager and analyst for multi-institutional cross-disciplinary projects involving more than dozen land-grant universities across the Midwest, government institutions and state organizations. Over six years he has curated data from agricultural and environmental studies, and has published two datasets in the National Agricultural Library.
Laura Betancur received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020. Her research aims to increase understanding of how the context of children and families shape their wellbeing, focusing on disadvantaged populations in the U.S. and in low- and middle-income countries. In January of 2021, she joined the ECI Longitudinal Study where researches the relationship between families’ utilization patterns of early childhood education services and child developmental outcomes.
Jessica began her graduate studies at ISU and joined the I2D2 team in 2018. After completing her Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies in the Spring of 2022 Jessica joined the I2D2 team full-time. She is currently completing her dissertation to complete the requirements for her Ph.D. Her research interests include early childhood risk and development, equity and access, and public policy for children and families.
Cora joined the I2D2 team in 2022 as a data analyst. Originally from Indiana, she came to Iowa State University in 2019 as a graduate student in the department of Rural Sociology. She is currently finishing her MS thesis using data from the Iowa Small Towns Poll. Her research interests included quantitative analysis, small towns, rural religion, and quality of life in rural areas.
Emma graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University in December of 2019. She was an intern for the IDS team to fulfill her graduation requirements, working on the Statewide Needs Assessment in 2019 and using data from Iowa Head Start for her Honors project. She enjoyed it so much that she stayed on the team post graduation as a part-time employee. Emma lives in Kansas City and is currently working towards her Masters in Social Work from the University of Kansas.
Taylor joined the I2D2 team in early 2023 as a Program Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science. Her career since graduation has centered around public health research, advocacy, policy, and non-profit management. At I2D2, Taylor will assist with project coordination and oversight to deliver results for stakeholders in the state of Iowa.