Elizabeth I. Rivera

Elizabeth I. Rivera serves as an Associate Professor of Quantitative Research Methods in the Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University's College of Education and Human Services, where she teaches advanced research methodologies and contributes to educational policy discourse.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.A. in Economics from Barnard College, Columbia University
• M.S. in Social Research from Hunter College, CUNY
• Joint Ph.D. in Urban Systems (Urban Educational Policy and Economics) from Rutgers University-Newark

Dr. Rivera's research critically examines structural inequities in urban education systems through an economic lens, with particular emphasis on racial/ethnic disparities in school segregation, mathematics tracking practices for Latinx students, and STEM pathway barriers. Her methodology integrates stratification economics to expose intentional institutional processes that perpetuate educational disadvantages and impact postsecondary outcomes.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Harvard University Strategic Data Project Data Fellowship

Currently supported by a Spencer Foundation Racial Equity Research Grant, her work bridges quantitative analysis with policy intervention strategies. As a faculty mentor, she guides graduate students in research design while maintaining active collaborations with urban school districts to translate findings into practical educational reforms.