Ismael Fajardo, PhD, is a research associate in the College of Education at the University of Washington. His research examines the P-20 STEM pipeline for underserved student populations, specifically secondary preparation and postsecondary transitions, retention, and achievement. He uses quantitative and qualitative research approaches to understand the conditions that create accessible and equitable environments in order to inform local, state, and national policy. He teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses on applied statistics, introduction to research, and assessment and evaluation in higher education. His current projects include the Brotherhood Initiative and the Equitable Parent-School Collaboration. Dr. Fajardo received his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in educational leadership, policy, and organizations from the University of Washington, B.A in Foreign Languages, Cultures, and Literature from Washington State University, and A.A. degree from Spokane Falls Community College. He was born and raised in the Yakima Valley of Washington State, and a proud graduate of Grandview High School.