Biography

Since joining RAND in May 2006 Dr. Griffin has worked on health, drug and education policy research and the development of methods for the analysis of data from cluster controlled randomized studies, causal modeling of treatment effects, and the analysis of failure time data. Dr. Griffin's research in education includes work on the design of randomized cluster controlled studies and evaluating the effects of new technology-based curriculums on student achievement and attitudes towards learning. Currently, Dr. Griffin is the primary statistician on a 5-year study evaluating the impact of Carnegie Learning's new technology-based algebra I curriculum, the Cognitive Tutor. This large-scale study involves over 100 middle schools and high schools. Additionally, Dr. Griffin has worked on several evaluations of programs through both experimental and quasi-experimental studies. Her work includes applying causal methods to quasi-experimental data to evaluate adolescent substance abuse treatment programs. Her current research interests involve evaluating these causal methods and working to further develop the methods available for quasi-experimental data. Prior to joining RAND, Dr. Griffin worked as an independent statistical consultant for academic, clinical, and non-profit clients while pursuing her graduate studies in Biostatistics. As a consultant, she evaluated implementation of WHO's breastfeeding initiative among maternity hospital in Massachusetts and reported the findings to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to help inform policy decisions.