Amanda Eastern, PhD, MS

Amanda Eastern, PhD, MS is a Research Associate at James Bell Associates. She has more than 8 years of experience in applied social science research. Her areas of expertise include qualitative research methodology, data collection and analysis, and technical assistance. Dr. Eastern has worked on various projects related to exploring the early educational experiences of diverse families and building stronger systems of early childhood care at the local and state levels. Prior to her current work with JBA, she worked as a policy analyst and research assistant conducting and synthesizing research on early childhood programs and policies. She received a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Dr. Eastern participates in HARC’s conceptual development of context within the Precision Paradigm through qualitative data collection and feedback from key informant groups.