About Us

Who We Are

SHADAC is a multidisciplinary health policy research center with a focus on state policy. For over 15 years, SHADAC has produced rigorous, policy-driven analyses, translating complex research findings into actionable information that is accessible to a broad audience. SHADAC faculty and staff are nationally recognized experts on collecting and applying health policy data to inform or evaluate policy decisions, with expertise in both federal and state survey data sources. We provide unbiased technical assistance and in-depth analysis to states and other organizations and collaborate with a wide range of partners including foundations, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, other research organizations, and nonprofits. 

We specialize in:
       • State and Federal Health Policy
       • Medicaid and CHIP Policy
       • Delivery and Payment System Reform
       • Health Coverage and Access to Care
       • Health Care Cost and Affordability
       • Health Equity and Social Determinants
       • Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation
       • Data Analytics and Visualization
       • State and Federal Surveys

What We Do

Our faculty and staff are nationally recognized experts on collecting and applying health policy data and have extensive knowledge of state government operations. We conduct health policy research that's translated into issue briefs, reports and peer-reviewed journal articles.

We offer a variety of services, including:
       • Statistical analysis
       • Evaluation design
       • Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
         (surveys, case studies, focus groups, interviews)
       • Survey design and analysis
       • Expertise in national and state survey data sources
       • Guidance on data use for monitoring and evaluation
       • Policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation
       • Financial analysis

Who We Work With

Our clients and partners include:
       • Foundations
       • Federal Agencies
       • State Agencies
       • Associations
       • Research Organizations
       • Private Sector Businesses

Our Featured Work

SHADAC Faculty

Lynn A. Blewett, PhD, MA
Principal Investigator
Lynn A. Blewett
Lynn A. Blewett, PhD, MA
Principal Investigator

SHADAC Staff

Lacey Hartman, MPP
Senior Research Fellow
Lacey Hartman Headshot
Lacey Hartman, MPP
Senior Research Fellow
Robert Hest, MPP
Senior Research Fellow
Robert Hest, MPP
Senior Research Fellow
Grace Liu, MPH
Research Analyst
Grace Liu, MPH
Research Analyst
Elizabeth Lukanen, MPH
Deputy Director
Elizabeth Lukanen, MPH
Deputy Director
Jessica Ngoboka, MPH
Research Dissemination Coordinator
Jessica Ngoboka, MPH
Research Dissemination Coordinator
Colin Planalp, MPA
Senior Research Fellow
Colin Planalp, MPA
Senior Research Fellow
Natalie Schwehr Mac Arthur, PhD
Senior Research Associate
Natalie Schwehr Mac Arthur, PhD
Senior Research Associate
Andrea Stewart, MA
Research Fellow
Andrea Stewart, MA
Research Fellow
Pam Suneson, BA
Coordinator
Pam Suneson, BA
Coordinator
Karen Turner, BA
Senior Data Scientist
Karen Turner
Karen Turner, BA
Senior Data Scientist
Elliot Walsh, BA/BS
Research Dissemination Coordinator
Elliot Walsh, BA/BS
Research Dissemination Coordinator
Christina Worrall, MPP
Senior Fellow
Christina Worrall, MPP
Senior Fellow
Emily Zylla, MPH
Senior Research Fellow
Emily Zylla, MPH
Senior Research Fellow

SHADAC Research Assistants

Jeffrey Barrera
Research Assistant
Jeffrey Barrera head shot standing in a brown sweater smiling outside of stadium
Jeffrey Barrera
Research Assistant
Tatiana "Annie" Gowlovech
Research Assistant
Tatiana "Annie" Gowlovech
Research Assistant
Claire Mcglave
PhD Student
Claire Mcglave
PhD Student

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