CO-PI

Dr. Dwuana Bradley is an assistant professor at the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education. Dr. Bradley earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from The University of Texas at Austin in 2020. She also holds a Masters of Education with a focus in Student Affairs Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology & Anthropology, with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Psychology from Truman State University. Dr. Bradley brings 15 years of experience in qualitative research methodologies and is a former McNair Scholar. Her research broadly examines the ways in which anti-Black sentiment perpetually undergirds the drivers and levers of federal, state, and institutional policies in ways that (un)intentionally reify the social stratification of Black peoples across the diaspora. Dr. Bradley’s research has been funded by the Spencer Foundation and appears in refereed journals such as: the American Educational Research Journal, the Review of Higher Education, The Community College Review and the Texas Education Review. Additionally, Dr. Bradley has worked with various third party intermediaries in education (i.e., nonprofit advocacy groups, research centers, and state education agencies) on topics such as student financial literacy; cost benefits of post-secondary education; student success and retention; and, food, housing, and financial insecurity facing vulnerable student populations.

CO-PI

Dr. Royel M. Johnsonis a nationally recognized expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. A tenured professor at USC’s Rossier School of Education, he chairs the PhD program and directs the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates (NACCC) at the USC Race and Equity Center, a leading initiative evaluating campus racial climate and culture nationwide. His research focuses on issues of educational access and the socio-ecological determinants of student success, such as sense of belonging and campus racial climate and culture. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Johnson has worked with numerous campuses and organizations on equity-focused organizational improvement efforts. Backed by over $6.3 million in grant funding from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education and the Spencer Foundation, he is expanding the reach and impact of his work nationwide. Dr. Johnson is the Co-Editor of Educational Researcher, has authored over 60 scholarly works, and recently published two books The Big Lie About Race in America’s Schools and From Foster Care to College: Navigating Educational Challenges and Creating Possibilities. His accolades include AERA’s Early Career Award for Division G, ACPA’s Diamond Honoree distinction, and recognition as a DEIA Visionary by the Los Angeles Times. With a B.A. from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, Dr. Johnson is a transformative leader advancing equity in higher education.

PI

Dr. Kendrick Davis is an associate professor of research at the USC Rossier School of Education and co-director of the USC STEM Center. His research examines the intersections of science, equity, and policy, focusing on their impact on marginalized communities. Prior to joining USC, he was a 2018-2019 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Engineering Policy Fellow in the U.S. Senate, where he helped develop and shape criminal justice reform legislation aimed at improving K-12 school discipline policies and reducing chronic absenteeism. Before his time in the Senate, he served as the STEM director for the City of Philadelphia, where he collaborated with city agencies to advance workforce development efforts and expand educational and career pathways for system-impacted communities. His work has been supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Walmart Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Dr. Davis holds a Ph.D. in higher education and a master's degree in robotics engineering and law, all from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Temple University.

Lead Research Assistant

Ibrahim Diallo is a Lead Research Assistant at the USC Rossier School of Education, where he contributes to prevention-focused criminal justice reform initiatives. His work centers on developing strategic, scalable reforms that reduce incarceration rates among marginalized populations, with an emphasis on youth focused educational interventions and community engagement. Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, Ibrahim blends rigorous research with a commitment to systemic change, addressing the unique needs of system-impacted individuals and communities.