Jake Leonard, M.S., is a research specialist with the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Leonard has more than 7 years of experience with both applied and basic developmental research using a wide variety of data types and methodologies across a range of risk-laden contexts. He brings expertise in advanced quantitative methods (e.g., latent variable frameworks, multilevel modeling, propensity score analysis, etc.) and data management.

Leonard is an analyst for the Effective Implementation Cohort (EIC), which supports the implementation of high quality middle school math curricula in 19 local educational agencies across the U.S. Additionally, he works with New York Math Network to support the data needs necessary for continuous improvement efforts in the implementation of high quality middle school math curricula.

Before joining NIRN, Leonard earned his M.S. in experimental psychology from Villanova University in 2021. His research interests are centered around racial justice in education, father involvement, and experiences of family homelessness. He strives to recognize and respect the people and lived experiences represented within quantitative data.