Project Leaders

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Dominique Baker is an Assistant Professor of Education Policy at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Her research focuses on the way that education policy affects and shapes the access and success of underrepresented students in higher education. She primarily investigates student financial aid, affirmative action and admissions policies, and policies that influence the ability to create an inclusive & equitable campus climate. She earned her PhD from Vanderbilt University and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Virginia. 

Akil Bello is a testing policy, test-preparation and educational access expert with almost three decades of experience. Beginning as a proctor in 1990, Akil has worked in every level of test preparation from proctor to CEO, he has launched two companies, developed dozens of preparation programs for more than ten different high-stakes tests, trained hundreds of instructors, and helped thousands of students achieve success. Currently, Akil serves as Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at FairTest, where he works to build resources and tools to ensure that large scale assessment tests are used responsibly and transparently to benefit students. Akil resides in New York City with his beautiful wife and two amazing sons. 

Erin Corbett is founder and CEO of Second Chance Educational Alliance, Inc. (SCEA), a community-based prison education program in Connecticut. SCEA aims to provide formerly incarcerated men and women with the tools necessary to become fully engaged and contributing citizens. Erin has spent almost two decades in education access in a number of roles. With experience in independent school admission, enrichment programs, and postsecondary financial aid, her commitment to expanding postsecondary opportunities for all populations has served as the foundation of her professional endeavors. 

Taylor Odle is a Ph.D. candidate in higher education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education where he uses quantitative methods to evaluate policies and programs focused on increasing students' access to and success in higher education—particularly for underrepresented populations. Taylor holds an A.M. in statistics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and a M.Ed. in higher education from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College. Before beginning his Ph.D., Taylor served for three years in fiscal policy and research roles with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and completed internships with the College Board and U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.

Megan Red Shirt-Shaw (Oglala Lakota) is a PhD student in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development with a focus on Higher Education and a minor in American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota. Prior to her Ph.D program, she worked in undergraduate admissions, college access, and college counseling. She is the founder of Natives In America, on online literary publication for Native youth. 

 Ted Thornhill is an associate professor of sociology and director of the Center for Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. His research examines racist and antiracist policies and practices within organizations. He has published in journals such as Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, Urban Education, the American Journal of Sociology, and Sociology Compass and popular outlets including The Conversation, The Grio, and Inside Higher Ed. He is the author of the widely reviewed article, “We Want Black Students, Just Not You: How White Admissions Counselors Screen Black Prospective Students.” Dr. Thornhill’s research and teaching has been covered by numerous media outlets including CNN, The Washington Post, The Root, The Boston Globe, npr, BBC, and Forbes. He received his BA in sociology and ethnic studies from Florida Atlantic University and his master’s in applied social research from Florida State University. He earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.