Joanna Schiffman (she/her)

Joanna Schiffman is a Senior Researcher at Outlier and is interested in examining how cognitive processes, attitudes, experiences, and environmental factors impact STEM learning. Since joining Outlier Research & Evaluation in 2019, Joanna has worked on a variety of research projects, including a Department of Education EIR-funded project examining the impact of STEM career readiness and social-emotional learning programming on urban high school students’ interest in pursuing STEM careers. Joanna has also carried out evaluations of educational programs with UChicago internal departments and organizations, including the Area Studies Center and the Network for College Success (NCS), as well as external organizations, including ComEd SmartGrid STEM Programs, Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX), and MathTalk. Prior to joining Outlier, Joanna’s research focused on the factors that influence young children’s math and spatial learning, including parental input and interaction, environmental contexts, and additional cognitive factors. In addition, Joanna has taught and written curriculum for psychology and education courses at the undergraduate and masters level. Joanna earned her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology at Boston College Lynch School of Education & Human Development and a B.A. in Psychology with a Cognitive Science concentration from Wesleyan University.