We are a small and vibrant team of passionate and highly-qualified education researchers and program evaluators. MNA staff and consultants have deep expertise in policy analysis, K-16 education, curriculum and instruction, education technology, and higher education. This, combined with our expertise in research design and methods, statistical analysis, and computer and data programing, give MNA the capacity to take on complex projects with excellent results.
CEO
Kavita Mittapalli, Ph.D.
MNA is headed by Kavita Mittapalli, Ph.D., who brings over 18 years of experience in conducting research and evaluation for various programs and initiatives. She worked at various consulting firms before founding MN Associates, Inc in 2005. Kavita started her career in Agricultural Science before becoming an Applied Sociologist and a mixed methodologist with an interest in research design. She brings her multi-disciplinary skills and knowledge to all the work she does at MNA.
Education: B.S. Agricultural Sciences (Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India)
M.A. Applied Sociology (George Mason University, VA)
Ph.D. Research Design and Methodology, Education (George Mason University, VA)
Twitter: @KavitaMNA
Staff and Consultants
Krishna Nerella, M.S.
CTO, CFO, Technical Advisor
Krishna Nerella, M.S. is a senior programmer and data analyst with over 22 years of experience. He has a masters in Computer Science (2008) from George Mason University. In all matters related to data systems, longitudinal data set analysis, using SAS skills and programming in C++/Java, Krishna plays a vital role at MNA.
Education: B.E. Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras, India
Nina de las Alas
Senior Research Associate
Nina de las Alas is a senior research associate. She brings over 20 years of experience in conducting research and evaluation in comprehensive school reform, leadership matters at organizations, and teacher quality and improvement issues. Previously, she was employed at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO, DC). Nina has extensive experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods on federal and state grant programs. Her main areas of interest include the collective impact among human, social, and resource capital, and community revitalization.
Education: B.A. International Affairs (University of Virginia)
(M.A.) Education Policy (George Washington University)
Amlan Banerjee, Ph.D.
Data Scientist / Statistician
Amlan Banerjee, Ph.D. is a quantitative analyst at MNA. Amlan brings about 12 years of experience in statistics, multi-modeling, social networking analysis, and longitudinal analysis to MNA. He is adept in R, Machine Learning, and Python.
Education: B.E. Jadavpur University, India
M.S. Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India
M.S. Foreign Affairs, Georgetown University
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of South Florida
Michelle Peters, Ed.D. Quantitative Analyst
Michelle Peters, Ed.D. is a quantitative consultant. Michelle has extensive experience in conducting large scale research and evaluation studies and Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Regressions. Her areas of interest are Mathematics Education, Self-efficacy, and Classroom climate. She completed her Ph.D. from George Washington University in 2009 with a concentration in Research Methods.
Megan Hill-Sundy, M.S. is a qualitative research associate at MNA.
Debbie Igunbor, M.S. is a mixed methods associate at MNA.
Shelli Golson-Mickens, MPH, is a mixed methods associate at MNA.