Lyzz Davis is a principal research scientist at NORC who leads research, evaluation, and technical assistance efforts focused on improving educational outcomes and advancing evidence-based decision making. She specializes in education research, evidence synthesis, knowledge use, causal inference, and mixed-methods evaluation. Lyzz works closely with state agencies, school districts, foundations, and research partners to design rigorous studies, generate actionable evidence, and translate research into practical strategies that improve policy and practice. Her expertise includes randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental methods, program evaluation, evidence standards, and the development of tools and processes that help practitioners effectively use research to address complex educational challenges.

At NORC, Lyzz contributes to a range of research and evaluation initiatives that illustrate her expertise in evidence synthesis, project leadership, and large-scale study implementation. She serves as project manager for a U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences (IES) grant focused on Balanced Leadership for Student Learning, supporting the coordination of research activities and collaboration among project partners. Lyzz also led an environmental scan for the Ortus Foundation, synthesizing evidence and stakeholder perspectives to inform strategic investments in youth mental health and suicide prevention in the Intermountain West region. In addition, she serves as recruitment lead for a large-scale randomized controlled trial with Curriculum Associates, overseeing strategies to engage schools and districts in rigorous education research. Across these efforts, Lyzz helps bridge research and practice by generating actionable evidence and building partnerships that support continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

Before joining NORC, Lyzz secured more than $13 million in competitive funding and led numerous federally funded education research and evaluation initiatives. She founded the Evidence Support Center, a practitioner-focused evidence clearinghouse that expanded educators’ access to research-backed strategies and evidence-based decision-making tools. She directed national studies and evaluations funded by organizations including the Institute of Education Sciences and the National Science Foundation, producing influential work on postsecondary success, evidence use, and school improvement. Throughout her career, Lyzz has partnered with states, districts, and community organizations to generate evidence that informs policy decisions and improves student outcomes, including research that influenced district resource allocation and educational planning.