About this session

Saturday, 12:10 PM - 1:40 PM

Careers in Action: Expectations and Preparations for Positions Bridging Research and Policy

This session offers participants a deep dive into professional roles that bridge the gap between early childhood research, policy, and practice at local, state, and national levels. Organized by Drs. Neda Senehi and Lisa Schlueter from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, the session features a distinguished panel of experts, including Drs. Ann Rivera (Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation), Tamara Halle (Child Trends), Morgan Crossman (Building Bright Futures), Marina Mendoza (Children’s Funding Project), and Sarah Prendergast (Urban Institute).
The session focuses on roles that bridge the gap between research and policy and highlights real-world applications and translations of research that inform and shape policy and systems. Each panelist will share their expertise, highlighting the transition from academic research to applied policy-relevant research roles, focusing on the skills that have enabled them to inform policy and systemic change. Through short presentations and interactive discussions, panelists will provide practical guidance and share concrete examples of their experiences using research to shape policy, key competencies associated with their role, lessons learned, and professional roles that focus on translating research into actionable policy solutions. This session will provide participants with actionable steps to enter policy-focused careers and insights into the diverse professional roles available in this area. Participants will engage in small group discussions with panelists, providing personalized insights into the professional skill-building and effective research to policy translation. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of professional avenues available for bridging the gap between developmental research, policy, and programming.