Two data leaders at UNMC have been named fellows for a new initiative based at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University.
Andrew Robertson, director of institutional research with the UNMC Office of Academic Affairs, and James Geiger, research data analytics manager with the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, were among 27 fellows from Nebraska who work in data and across higher education.
The initiative, which was announced in December, is called the Strategic Data Project and is a collaboration between Harvard’s Center for Education Policy Research and the Nebraska Statewide Workforce and Educational Reporting System.
The Strategic Data Project’s mission is to transform the use of data in education to improve student achievement. The Strategic Data Project Fellowship offers an intensive program aimed at impacting policy decisions that affect student outcomes.
Robertson will work on a project involving linking postsecondary health care pathways to rural employment outcomes in Nebraska. It will lay the groundwork to better link educational pathways to employment and help establish a baseline to measure the impact of UNMC’s expansion in Kearney.
In cooperation with the UNMC Office of Health Workforce Initiatives and Kyle Meyer, PhD, associate vice chancellor for health workforce initiatives, Robertson will work with the UNMC College of Public Health to modernize its Health Professions Tracking Service.
Said Robertson, “The Strategic Data Project Fellowship represents a great opportunity to not only advance the data ecosystem at UNMC, but also to meet and network with data leaders throughout the higher education in the state of Nebraska.”
Kendra Schmid, PhD, interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, said Robertson’s selection is a testament to the exceptional leadership and technical expertise he brings to UNMC.
“His partnership with OHWI and his project — linking healthcare education pathways to rural employment outcomes — will lay the essential groundwork for understanding the long‑term impact of our Kearney campus expansion,” Dr. Schmid said. “This work modernizes our data systems and positions us to better evaluate how our growing educational footprint translates into strengthened healthcare access across Nebraska.”
Geiger’s project will look at research involvement during postsecondary education as a predictor for educational attainment and career development. Part of the goal from the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research is to develop opportunities for students within research and biomedical laboratory settings.
Said Tess Kuenstling, PhD, assistant vice chancellor for research resources, “James’ appointment as an SDP Fellow reflects the strong talent and thoughtfulness he brings to this work. This exciting project aligns with UNMC’s priorities by helping us better understand how research experiences influence brain drain and address Nebraska’s workforce needs.”
Geiger said he’s excited to be part of this network of data professionals across Nebraska.
“UNMC’s participation in this inaugural cohort of fellows signals our commitment to advancing the use of actionable, responsible data analytics in advancing our mission and strategic priorities,” Geiger said.
“In my own educational journey, research experiences were an important part of developing my professional skillset. I bring that background with me into this fellowship as we seek to better understand the quantifiable impact of research involvement on building Nebraska’s workforce.”