WestEd recently announced that Dr. Sarah Quesen has been named Director of Assessment Research and Innovation (AR&I). Prior to taking on the directorship, Quesen was the Deputy Director of Assessment Research and Innovation at WestEd. In her new position, she directs research and supports evidence-based technical assistance to states, districts, and commercial organizations. Much of Quesen’s research centers on mitigating bias in the assessment of students’ learning, with a particular focus on AI’s evolving role in assessment scoring.

“Sarah is deeply committed to identifying ways to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility considerations in WestEd’s research agenda in assessment, as well as our business development strategy and technical assistance work,” said WestEd CEO Jannelle Kubinec. “Through her work to ensure that assessments truly reflect what students have learned and do not introduce bias—either by design or unintentionally—Sarah is helping to reduce opportunity gaps and build communities where all can thrive.”

Quesen also serves on the teaching faculty in the Department of Statistics at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining WestEd, she was a senior research scientist at Pearson Education, a global learning company that provides a wide range of educational materials, technology, assessments, and services.

Quesen holds a PhD in research methodology from the University of Pittsburgh, an MPH in public health from the West Virginia University School of Medicine, and a BS in culture and communication from New York University.