Resume

Summary

As an interdisciplinary researcher skilled in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, I am interested in conducting policy-relevant research and program evaluations. Specializing in social innovation, my research interests include social finance, international development, collaborative governance, co-production, and systems change.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy and Management

Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California

May 2024

Title of Dissertation: Outcomes-Based Contracting through Impact Bonds - Ties to Social Innovation, Systems Change, and International Development.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) in International Policy and Planning

Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California

May 2018

Price Women and Allies Board Member.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Diplomacy and World Affairs Major, Economics Minor

Occidental College

May 2012

Microfinance Investment Fund Board Member.

Professional Experience

Research Assistant

USC Price Center for Social Innovation

August 2018 - July 2023 | Los Angeles, CA

Collaborated on research projects related to Social Impact Bonds and Emergency Aid funds.
Conducted literature reviews, collected and analyzed data, wrote articles and reports, and presented findings to broad audiences.
Managed research assistants and liaised with clients throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation of social innovation programs.

Research Assistant

USC Gould School of Law

September 2017 - May 2020 | Los Angeles, CA

Provided research assistance on topics related to immigration detention and Community Bail Funds.
Reviewed and summarized academic literature using legal resource databases, such as WestLaw.
Collected and cleaned data for use in quantitative analyses.

Research Intern, Center for the Future of Aging

Milken Institute

August 2017 - December 2017 | Los Angeles, CA

Researched initiatives for successful aging programs for future Mayor's Pledge campaigns.
Cleaned, analyzed, and visualized data in support of the Best Cities for Successful Aging report.
Provided research support as-needed for conferences and presentations.

Account Executive

Charity Brands Consulting

October 2016 - May 2017 | Los Angeles, CA

Researched companies whose corporate social responsibility objectives matched our clients' interests.
Identified organizational alignments for public-private partnerships and mission-driven campaigns.
Wrote memoranda on client strategies and potential partners ahead of client meetings.

Teaching Experience

Future Faculty Teaching Institute Certification

Center for Excellence in Teaching, University of Southern California

Spring 2023

Teaching Assistant (Masters-Level)

University of Southern California

2017 - 2020

Econometrics for Policy Analysis (Fall 2020)
Public Policy Practicum (Fall 2019, Spring 2020)
Economics for Policy, Planning and Development (Summer 2017)

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Can a Focus on Co-Created, Strengths-Based Services Facilitate Early-Stage Innovation within Social Impact Bonds?

Chris Fox, Hilary Olson, Harry Armitage, Susan Baines and Gary Painter June 2, 2022 International Public Management Journal Peer-Reviewed Article

This paper examines how co-created, strengths-based services within Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) can catalyze early-stage innovation, using four UK SIBs as case studies.

Are social impact bonds an innovation in finance or do they help finance social innovation?

Hilary Olson, Gary Painter, Kevin Albertson, Christopher Fox and Christopher O’Leary April 7, 2022 Journal of Social Policy Peer-Reviewed Article

This study evaluates whether Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) align with social innovation theories by analyzing their role in financing social goods production and scaling innovation.

An evaluation of the emergency aid programs at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles Community College District

Hilary Olson, Kalen Cornelious, Riley Carbonneau, Victoria Ciudad-Real, Dr. Jovanna Rosen, Cynthia Barboza-Wilkes, Hannah Lee and Gary Painter May 1, 2021 Sol Price Center for Social Innovation Evaluation Report

This report evaluates the impact and effectiveness of emergency aid programs at USC and LACCD, providing insights on how these programs support student success.

Social impact bonds 2.0? Findings from a study of four UK SIBs

Chris Fox, Hilary Olson and Harry Armitage December 1, 2020 Sol Price Center for Social Innovation Policy Brief

This paper explores the evolution of Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) in the UK, focusing on how SIB 2.0 can deliver innovative approaches to public service delivery.

Honors and Awards

Henry Reining Best Dissertation Award (2024)
Price Fifth Year Fellowship (2022-2023)
USC Graduate School Summer Research and Writing Grant (2022)
Price/Graduate School Fellowship (2018-2022)
Research Fellowship, Immigrants and Global Migration Initiative (2019)
Linnie & Michael Katz Endowed Research Fellowship (2018)
Robert P. Biller Award for Best Policy Analysis (2018)
Price Dean's Merit Scholarship (2016-2018)
Distinction on Occidental College Senior Thesis (2012)
Occidental Trustee Scholarship (2008-2012)

Skills

Qualitative & Quantitative Methodologies
Research Design, Policy Analysis, & Program Evaluation
Writing Academic Articles, Evaluation Reports, & Policy Briefings
Presenting & Communicating Findings to Broad Audiences
Stakeholder Engagement & Cultural Competency
Experience with STATA, Nvivo, ATLAS.ti, ArcGISPro, & Python

Languages

English: Native or bilingual proficiency
French: Professional working proficiency