With the 2024 NAEP Doctoral Student Internship Program well underway, our interns are now developing their technical skills and knowledge in the field of large-scale assessment by working collaboratively with NAEP experts on client-based projects. Recently, two more interns, Paulina Grekov and Dekyi Suolang, participated in our ongoing interviews to introduce the newest cohort to the NAEP R&D community.

1. Where are you joining the internship from?

Paulina:       I’m joining this internship from Madison, Wisconsin.

Dekyi:          I am joining the internship from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

2. What is your educational background?

Paulina:       I attended the University of California at Santa Barbara for my undergraduate studies, earning a B.S. in actuarial science with double minors in education and mathematics. I’m currently working on my doctorate in quantitative methods at the University of Wisconsin–Madison through the Educational Psychology department, and I anticipate graduating in the spring or summer of 2026. Between my bachelor’s and Ph.D., I spent two years teaching late elementary and early middle school special education in the Philadelphia and Wilmington area.

Dekyi:          I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in survey and data science at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. I am now finishing my third year, and I expect to graduate in late 2025.

3. What are your research topics of interest?

Paulina:       Broadly, my research interests are in flexible hierarchical modeling and the use of Bayesian methods, specifically posterior predictive checks, to graphically depict complex statistical findings. I’m also interested in applying these findings in the meta-analysis of single-case design studies.

Dekyi:          My research interests include missing data imputations, integration of multiple data sources, survey methodology, and the utilization of big data in survey research. I am passionate about applying data science and statistical methods to advance research in social and behavioral sciences.

4. What current projects are you working on outside of the internship that you’re excited about?

Paulina:       I currently have a paper under review looking at comparisons between hierarchical linear models, generalized linear mixed models, and generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape in their ability to fit and generate data reflective of real single-case outcome data. I’m also working on a new paper, which I’ll be presenting at the International Meeting of Psychometricians this summer, that develops principles for implementing graphical posterior predictive checks in context when fitting, comparing, and selecting hierarchical models.

Dekyi:          Outside of the internship, I am currently engaged in my dissertation project, which focuses on integrating self-reports and wearable sensor data to improve survey measurements, particularly within the budgetary and practical constraints of collecting sensor data from a large probability-based sample. Studies that collect both survey and sensor data often encounter scalability and representativeness issues due to these constraints. My research aims to develop mass imputation techniques that leverage multiple data sources to effectively address these challenges across various research scenarios.  

5. What drew you to the internship?

Paulina:       The internship, more specifically the re-envisioning quantitative information team, seemed like an amazing way to utilize my research interests in an applied context. At this point in my Ph.D., I’m also beginning to consider my career options after graduation. Interning at AIR exposes me to a variety of individuals, teams, and experiences that will help me make informed decisions.

Dekyi:          I was seeking a position tailored for doctoral students, one that would help me gain insight into my future career path and decide between academia and industry after graduation. The NAEP internship program offers a role as a research intern focused on methodology related to measurement in large-scale assessments, missing data techniques, and the analysis of complex sample data. These areas closely align with my academic interests.

6. How do you hope to use what you learn in the internship?

Paulina:       I hope to gain a better understanding of what I want to do after I graduate from my program. Additionally, I hope to expand my research experience and build on my research agenda with this exposure to new data, methods, and projects.

Dekyi:          I look forward to gaining valuable hands-on experience during the internship to advance my knowledge and skills in my research field. Moreover, I see it as a platform for my professional growth, offering deeper insights into AIR’s organizational culture, expanding my professional network, and fostering new friendships. Looking ahead, I see AIR as the perfect workplace after graduation, and this internship will strengthen my application for future employment. I am enthusiastic about applying the skills acquired during this experience to continue advancing my career.

7. What hobbies/special interests/fun facts would you like to share?

Paulina:       I try to maintain a healthy work–life balance by engaging in activities like book clubs with friends, going on walks, playing with my cat (whom many people have met during Teams meetings), and baking and cooking new recipes. I also love to travel and plan to visit Berlin, Prague, and Amsterdam this summer.

Dekyi:          Hiking and exploring new trails are my ways of unwinding and connecting with nature. I also have a passion for food and enjoy trying new recipes. I also enjoy reading and learning about astronomy and the mysteries of the universe.

8. What was your favorite part of the orientation week in Crystal City?

Paulina:       My favorite part of orientation was getting to know everybody! I found it great to get to meet fellow interns as well as other AIR staff across the different teams. One of the best moments was checking out the view from the office rooftop.

Dekyi:          My favorite part of the orientation week was undoubtedly meeting my colleagues and experiencing their friendliness firsthand. It made settling in and feeling welcome easy. Another highlight was participating in the data training workshop, where I particularly enjoyed learning about the EdSurvey R package and the matrix design for NAEP.

If these interns’ experiences with the program interest you, look into the NAEP Doctoral Internship Program for yourself and stay tuned for further interviews later this month. Also, sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when applications open for the next internship or training opportunity. You could have the chance to work with experts in large-scale assessment and pursue areas of interest such as data visualization and artificial intelligence.