Note. I am not accepting new projects at this time; however, if you contact me, I may be able to refer you to someone who fits your needs.
DEM EDUCATION RESEARCH AND CONSULTING
SERVICES
RESEARCH PLANNING
Do you have a research project or idea that you’d love to bring to life? I can design a research strategy, including estimating the amount of time it will take to complete the project and creating a plan of action.
DATA COLLECTION
Do you need usable data? I can find existing data and collect new data. Data collection may include reviewing reports, searching for relevant literature, interviews (individual and group), surveys, and other qualitative (words) and quantitative (numbers) data collection methods.
DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
I can analyze and interpret primary data (data I collected) and secondary data (data you collected) for information you can use to evaluate, improve, and create better policies, practices, and programs.
ABOUT ME
Dora Elias McAllister, PhD
I began my career in student affairs as a hall director at a small, liberal arts school and for the past 6 years I have been leading, managing, and supporting qualitative and quantitative research, assessment, and evaluation projects.
I have a deep interest in removing barriers to success for first-generation students, low-income students, and students of color. For this reason, most of my consulting projects have been focused on students from these and other underserved populations.
I also has extensive experience writing and editing publications focused on education topics such as costs and financing of health professions education, high school graduation requirements, and K–12 achievement gaps.
I hold a doctoral degree in education policy with a concentration in higher education from the University of Maryland, College Park.
MORE ABOUT ME
My Story
I was a first-generation, low-income college student, and my parents are immigrants, so all my college experiences were about finding my own way, beating the odds, fighting limits, and self-advocacy. These educational experiences, combined with spending my entire career in postsecondary education, have made me especially qualified to help organizations remove obstacles for these students on their path to and through college.
I believe that a degree is a doorway to social and economic progress and political power that can be felt for generations and I want to make a degree a reality for the low-income students—especially first-generation, Black, Brown, and Indigenous students—who want one. A degree was my doorway and, to paraphrase Michelle Obama, I believe that when you’ve walked through that doorway of opportunity, you don’t slam it shut behind you, you reach back and you give others the same supports that helped you succeed.
As a consultant, I believe in creating partnerships with a purpose and always striving for actionable outcomes. Contact me today for an initial consultation, and find out more about how I can use my research skills to help you improve the delivery of your programs.
TESTIMONIALS
I’m fueled by my commitment to excellence and go the extra mile to make sure clients are fully satisfied with my work.
I was impressed with her attention to detail, thorough review of research and evidence, and ability to translate dense academic literature to accessible language.
Monica Martinez, EduDream
Strong qualitative researcher, excellent communicator, and effective project manager. She was critical in guiding us to establish the project strategy and direction.
Sofía Bahena, Ed.D., Intercultural Development Research Association
Her support, guidance, and encouragement were just as valuable as the technical feedback and content-area expertise she provided.
Toni Moreno, Texas State University
Interested in becoming a satisfied client? Get in touch with me today and see how my areas of expertise and services can benefit you and your organization.
CONTACT
I work with individuals and organizations, and look forward to supporting you. Please help me learn more about you and your project. Please complete the form and I will be in touch within 24 hours.
Chicago, IL
(312) 646-0491