Maria Onaindia

Maria Onaindia serves as a Research Associate at the Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) within Boise State University's School of Public Service. Originally from Kimberly, ID, she is relocating to Idaho this summer with her husband (joining College of Idaho faculty) and three rescue dogs.

Her academic and professional trajectory includes:

• Education: BA in Mathematics and Economics from Wellesley College (2011)
• Career Path:
  • Business Analyst at Capital One (2011-2013)
  • Consultant for NetApp software company (2014)
  • High School Teacher at Henderson Collegiate (NC) and Rauner College Prep (IL)
  • Teach Plus Policy Fellow for Illinois (2021-22)
  • Senior Research Analyst for Wisconsin State Government (juvenile justice equity focus)

Her research spans critical policy domains:

• Education systems and STEM pedagogy
• Diversion programs in juvenile justice
• Economic analysis of government services
• Housing policy and homelessness prevention
• Healthcare accessibility and women's issues

Professional recognition includes:

• Teach Plus Policy Fellowship (2021-22) for original research on recruiting/retaining teachers of color in Illinois

Her career demonstrates a deliberate shift from corporate finance to public service, with current work focusing on equity-driven policy research. The source material indicates no active graduate student advising or grant management. As a core IPI team member, she contributes to Idaho-focused policy analysis through the School of Public Service's research infrastructure.