James “Jay” Carter and James Sadler, doctoral students in the Policy, Leadership, and School Improvement strand of the School of Education’s Ph.D. program, have won fellowships with the Strategic Data Project at Harvard University’s Center for Educational Policy Research.
As part of the fellowship program, Carter and Sadler will each be matched with an educational institution or school district where they will work for two years, pursuing data-driven research projects centered on education policy or to help their institution build its capacity to make evidence-based decisions. Partner agencies employ SDP Data Fellows with a salary and full benefits as part of the fellowship program.
SDP Fellows also participate in seminars, an annual meeting and other professional development opportunities organized by the Center.
Carter, whose research focuses primarily on student assignment and school segregation, holds undergraduate degrees in aerospace engineering and sociology from North Carolina State University. He worked as an aerospace engineer for nine years before returning to school.
Sadler’s dissertation research analyzes the effects of implementing restorative justice practices in a no-excuses charter school network. His other research interests include school discipline policies, with a focus on implementing restorative practices; gender pay gaps in teacher labor markets; and, reforms that improve education quality and opportunity for historically underrepresented students.
Sadler earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Pennsylvania, completing his master’s degree while working as a Teach for America teacher. He also worked for three years as a high school physics and mathematics teacher.