Policy & Research Analyst in MEAL & Evaluation

ISAAC APPIAH

College Station, Texas, USA

713-***-**** ***************@****.***

POLICY & RESEARCH ANALYST

Mixed-Methods Research Program Evaluation Policy Analysis Data Analysis PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Mixed-methods research and program evaluation professional with graduate training in international agricultural development and agricultural economics and experience supporting policy-oriented research, stakeholder-informed analysis, survey-based inquiry, data interpretation, and evidence synthesis. Skilled in translating qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable recommendations, reports, presentations, and decision-support materials for varied audiences. Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Stata, SAS, R, SPSS, and GAMS, with experience conducting applied research, validating analytical models, and supporting interdisciplinary projects.

CORE SKILLS

Mixed-Methods Research Literature Reviews Policy Analysis Program Evaluation Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Survey Design Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Data Analysis Excel-Based Analysis Data Interpretation Report Writing Policy Briefs Presentation Development Stakeholder Communication Project Coordination Work Planning Research Synthesis Statistical Modeling Risk Analysis

Scenario Analysis

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Graduate Assistant 2023–Present

Support faculty-led work across program evaluation, leadership, ethics, and youth development courses, coordinating instructional materials, assessments, and communication across multiple concurrent projects.

Synthesize course- and research-related information for varied audiences and help translate complex concepts into structured assignments, discussions, and instructional materials.

Manage grading, course administration, and student support workflows across undergraduate and graduate-level courses, ensuring organization, timely communication, and continuity.

Mentor students on coursework, academic expectations, and applied assignments in evaluation- and research-related subject areas.

Contribute to learning and project support across courses including Principles of Program Evaluation, Leading Change, Applied Ethics in Leadership, and Positive Youth Development.

New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Graduate Research Assistant Aug 2021–Jul 2023

Developed a ranch-level optimal stocking rate model using Monte Carlo simulation to support evidence-based decision-making under uncertainty.

Built an optimization-based spreadsheet model to evaluate production costs, risk exposure, and alternative operational scenarios for policymakers and stakeholders.

Conducted data analysis, model testing, and validation to improve the reliability, usability, and policy relevance of research outputs.

Translated technical analytical findings into practical decision-support insights for agricultural management and policy discussions.

Supported applied research in agricultural economics focused on productivity, risk, and stakeholder-relevant recommendations.

University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Teaching Assistant Aug 2019–Oct 2020

Facilitated tutorials and supported undergraduate instruction, assessment, and academic continuity.

Assisted students with research activities, including data collection and basic data analysis.

Helped maintain course operations through grading, classroom support, and academic guidance.

RESEARCH, WRITING, AND PRESENTATION EXPERIENCE

Co-authored peer-reviewed research on academic misconduct, ethics, and institutional policy implications in higher education.

Contributed to research and presentations on youth development, character growth, and agricultural engagement among young people.

Developed written and presentation-based deliverables for academic and professional audiences, including posters, conference papers, and research summaries. EDUCATION

Ph.D., International Agricultural Development — Texas A&M University, Expected Aug 2026

M.S., Agricultural Economics — New Mexico State University, Jul 2023 B.S., Agricultural Business — University of Cape Coast, May 2019 TECHNICAL SKILLS

Excel PowerPoint Word Outlook Stata SAS RStudio SPSS GAMS Canva HONORS

Most Outstanding Graduate Student, Department of ALEC, Texas A&M University, 2024

Graduate Student Research Award, Texas A&M University, 2024 PUBLICATION

Okolo, E. C., Appiah, I., & Wingenbach, G. (2025). Conflicts between academic misconduct and university honor codes: Implications for ethical behavior. International Journal for Educational Integrity, 21, Article 26.

PRESENTATIONS

Appiah, I., Ettekal, A. V., & Rosen, N. (2026). Cultivating a culture of kindness in youth summer camp: A case study of Jewish American residential camps. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Research on Adolescence.

Okolo, E. C., Appiah, I., & Wingenbach, G. (2025). Student honor codes and academic fraud: When beliefs and behaviors clash. Oral presentation at the American Educational Research Association.

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