On this episode, I’m joined by Chrysanthemum Mattison Hayes, an experienced policy and data analyst and aspiring “researcher-storyteller” working in higher education. Her experience with student success research and assessment includes work within and across the divisions of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Undergraduate Studies at Oregon State University. In her current role, she works with university leadership on division-wide projects, undergraduate success initiatives, and metrics that align with strategic plans and the institutional vision for equalizing student success. Segment 1: What is it exactly that research/data analysts do? [00:00-12:39] In this first segment, Chrysanthemum describes what data analysts do in higher education and how the range of ways that data analysts are trained. Segment 2: Chrysanthemum’s pathway to being a data analyst working with student success initiatives [12:40-26:13] In segment two, Chrysanthemum shares how she came to be a data analyst working with student success initiatives, describes some of the metrics used to measure student success, and defines and gives examples of leading versus lagging metrics. Bonus Clip: The Post-specialist Era [00:00-12:02] In this bonus clip, Chrysanthemum shares about wearing lots of professional hats and the benefits of developing a range of "micro-skills" that can be used across positions. To share feedback about this podcast episode, ask questions that could be featured in a future episode, or to share research-related resources, contact the “Research in Action” podcast: Twitter: @RIA_podcast or #RIA_podcast Email: riapodcast@oregonstate.edu Voicemail: 541-737-1111 If you listen to the podcast via iTunes, please consider leaving us a review.