Our Team

Lisa Dawley, PhD
Senior Innovation Fellow & Co‑Inventor of Pactful
Bianca Alvarado
Associate Director of EdTech & Innovation Impact
Derek Frempong
Engineering Consultant
Perla Myers, PhD Executive Director of Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education

About the Jacobs Institute

The Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education logo

The Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education is a non-profit R&D institute powering K-20 inclusive innovation. We are affiliated with the School of Leadership & Education Sciences at the University of San Diego, and engage in pioneering research and evaluation, development of innovative curriculum and technologies, and support professional learning grounded in the learning sciences. Our mission fosters inclusion, diversity and social justice in education. Our team includes researchers, designers, technologists and faculty.

Over the past eight years, The Jacobs Institute has established itself as a credible and important voice in K-20 education, particularly in advancing innovation and equity in our schools. Working across the spectrum of educational innovation, our work supports research and evaluation of ed innovation initiatives, development of new technologies, curriculum and pedagogical models, and support for educational organizations to sustain and scale their initiatives. Our partners are trans-disciplinary and we work in collaboration with districts, schools, and educational organizations and education-supporting companies.

We are generously supported by the generosity of Dr. Irwin and Mrs. Joan Jacobs.

Photograph of Dr. Irwin and Mrs. Joan Jacobs