Meet the People Behind the Data!
Pacific Research and Evaluation is a team of seasoned professionals. We have earned a stellar reputation for balancing rigorous research and consulting services with a friendly, collaborative style. Drawing on a variety of educational backgrounds and professional experiences, PRE’s staff has the needed expertise to excel in all areas of applied research and consulting.
Steven Rider, Ph.D.
Founder and President
Steven Rider, Ph.D. is the founder and President of Pacific Research and Evaluation. He earned his doctorate in Psychology at the University of Arizona and has been involved in research and program evaluation for more than 25 years. He has directed a wide range of local and state projects, as well as studies funded by a variety of federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Labor, and Justice. Steve has also worked with numerous organizations to provide technical assistance regarding program evaluation, providing thoughtful insights regarding study design and the interpretation and application of evaluation findings. He has taught college courses in statistics and research methods and has expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, measure development, and survey research. In his free time, he is currently trying to get better at chess or reading the occasional classic (but often just a page-turner).
Kristi Manseth, Ph.D.
Vice President, Director of Research
Kristi Manseth, Ph.D., is the Vice President and Director of Research at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She earned her doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Portland State University in 2009 and has been part of the PRE team for 14 years. Kristi leads the team’s strategic direction, external relationships, and business development. In addition, she serves as an internal thought partner to project teams, assisting with the design of evaluation, technical assistance, and change management efforts. Kristi has conducted research and evaluation studies with a variety of organizations including PK-12 and post-secondary education, non-profit organizations, and directly in support of federal agencies under PRE’s GSA contract. Kristi is passionate about employee well-being both as a researcher and a business leader. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading a good book, and spending time with family.
Regina Wheeler, M.A.
Senior Research Manager
Regina Wheeler, M.A., is a Research Manager at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2011 and has been a member of the PRE team for 12 years. Regina leads a team of five researchers at PRE by providing support and oversight on their projects, as well as guidance on data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques. With strong skills in project management, Regina has also managed projects in a variety of sectors at PRE; most notably, she has extensive experience managing projects in higher education. In her free time, Regina enjoys rooting for her favorite sports teams and being on the water.
Shalyn Stevens, Ph.D
Research Manager
Shalyn Stevens, Ph.D., is a Research Manager at Pacific Research and Evaluation. Shalyn received her doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, with a concentration in Occupational Health Psychology, from Colorado State University. She has been at PRE for two years and has more than 10 years of experience in research and program evaluation. At PRE, Shalyn co-leads a team of four researchers, with a primary focus area in organizational performance. She enjoys working with clients from both the public and private sector to form collaborative partnerships, translate research findings into actionable insights, and improve worker and organizational outcomes. Outside of work, Shalyn enjoys being outdoors, reading a good mystery book, and traveling.
Lexi Strasburg, Ph.D.
Research Manager
Lexi Strasburg, Ph.D., is a Research Manager at Pacific Research and Evaluation. Lexi received her doctorate in Industrial-Organizational psychology from Saint Louis University with a concentration in quantitative methods. Lexi has over eight years of experience in conducting organizational research and program evaluation, serving in both internal and external consulting roles in a variety of industries. Lexi co-leads a team of four researchers whose work is focused in areas related to organizational performance, organizational strategy, and change management. Lexi is a passionate consultant who seeks opportunities to improve organizational outcomes and employee experiences through data-driven organizational research. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new recipes, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.
Taline Kuyumjian, M.A.
Senior Research Associate
Taline A. Kuyumjian, M.A., is a Senior Research Associate with Pacific Research and Evaluation. Taline received a master’s in Museum Studies from the University of Washington, Seattle, with added graduate-level certificates in audience research and nonprofit administration. Her undergraduate degree is from Saint Mary’s College of California, where she earned a B.S.E. in Business Administration and minored in Art History. She has been with PRE for four years and has practiced research and evaluation for 15 years; her areas of expertise include studies with nonprofits, cultural organizations, community-based organizations, and across a range of formal/informal learning environments. Taline is an avid reader, an amateur photographer, and loves a good road trip.
Erin McConnell, M.S.
Research Associate 2
Erin McConnell, M.S., is a Research Associate with Pacific Research and Evaluation. Erin earned her master’s degree in Applied Community Psychology from Portland State University, and her undergraduate in Psychological Sciences from Purdue University. She has been with PRE for two years and has 10 years of experience conducting research and evaluation in a variety of settings including K-12 education, sports and recreation, juvenile justice diversion programs, and higher education. Erin enjoys working collaboratively with clients, gathering multiple perspectives, and translating data into actionable insights. In her free time, Erin enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and playing board games with her family and friends.
Serena Chapman, M.A.
Research Associate 2
Serena Chapman, M.A., is a Research Associate at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Evaluation and Positive Organizational Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. She has been with the PRE team for two years and has over eight years of experience evaluating a wide variety of programs in higher education, K-12 education, mental health, and more. Serena especially enjoys managing projects, conducting qualitative research, and using her keen eye for design to bring information to life through data visualizations, infographics, and reports. Outside of work, Serena loves taking her bike out for long rides, spending quality time with friends, and dreaming up her next travel adventure.
Joe Sherwood, Ph.D.
Research Associate 2
Joe Sherwood, Ph.D., is a Research Associate at Pacific Research and Evaluation. He earned his doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with a focus on Occupational Health Psychology from Portland State University. Joe has been part of the PRE team for two years, contributing his expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Prior to joining PRE, Joe worked in various research roles across academic, government, and industry sectors, including conducting research and providing consulting services in workforce strategy, employee development, and change management projects for organizations large and small. He is passionate about using data-driven insights to enhance employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. In his free time, Joe enjoys being creative with art and music, running, biking, and spending time in the great outdoors trying to keep up with his ten-year-old twin boys.
Samantha Lacey, M.S.
Research Associate 1
Samantha Lacey, M.S., is a Research Associate at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She will graduate with her PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2025 from the University of Connecticut, where she also earned her Master of Science degree and certificates in Quantitative Research Methods and Occupational Health Psychology. She has worked at PRE since July 2023 and has over seven years of experience consulting and conducting organizational research across a variety of industries, including hospitality, transportation, manufacturing, nuclear, and small business. She is passionate about listening to clients’ needs, formulating insightful questions, and conducting research to help them achieve their desired goals. She has a knack for bringing data to life and making science accessible by contextualizing results and providing recommendations to empower her clients to make data-driven decisions. In her free time, she enjoys testing out new pizza recipes, crafting holiday decorations, and finding the best craft beer wherever she goes!
Sarah Northcutt, B.A.
Senior Research Assistant
Sarah Northcutt, B.A., is a Senior Research Assistant at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from Oklahoma State University in 2021. Sarah has been a member of PRE for two years, providing support through data collection, analysis, and reporting, for various projects within early childhood education, K-12, and higher education organizations. She is passionate about utilizing data to tell a story and inform decision making processes, as well as working towards enhancing equity across organizations. Outside of work, Sarah loves to bake cookies, read, catch up on her favorite Food Network shows, and go to yoga classes!
Maddie Bessler, M.P.H.
Senior Research Assistant
Maddie Bessler, M.P.H., is a Research Assistant at Pacific Research and Evaluation. She holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health Promotion from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology with a concentration in psychology from the University of Kansas. Maddie supports various projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting, with experience in piloting and evaluating programs in rural areas. She is passionate about health equity, global health, and qualitative research methodologies, and enjoys working on projects that involve community health and equity-focused collaboration. Outside of work, Maddie loves hiking with her dog, Rosie, reading, thrifting, and planning travel.
