Marisa is a principal research scientist with expertise in student engagement, behavioral health, and locally tailored evaluation strategies that support academic success. She contributes to NORC’s Education & Child Development department by leading and supporting research that strengthens student well-being and learning outcomes through practical, evidence-based approaches. Her work focuses on helping educators and education systems implement effective strategies that reflect local values and community priorities. Marisa brings deep experience in program evaluation, measurement development, continuous improvement, and stakeholder coordination across K-12 and postsecondary settings.

Her recent contributions include serving as the partnership task lead and leading multi-jurisdictional partnerships through the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Pacific, where she has supported initiatives in Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These efforts focused on improving student readiness for college and careers, developing math transition courses, strengthening social and emotional learning (SEL) implementation in ways that align with local educational goals, and contextualizing education practices to meet learner needs. Marisa’s work helps education leaders use data to guide decision-making and improve student outcomes.

Before joining NORC, Marisa served as a senior researcher at McREL International, where she led studies on student engagement, mental health, and academic achievement. Her scholarship includes peer-reviewed publications on SEL measurement, campus safety, and cultural factors influencing behavior. Her research has appeared in journals such as School Psychology, Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, and Cross-Cultural Research, and she has contributed to federal reports for the Institute of Education Sciences. Marisa’s work reflects a commitment to practical, community-informed research that supports student success.