Dayna DeFeo

Dayna DeFeo is an Associate Professor of Education Policy and Director of the Center for Alaska Education Policy Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She joined the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) in 2014.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Curriculum & Instruction, New Mexico State University, 2011
• MA in Education, New Mexico State University, 2005
• BA in Spanish, Rutgers University, 2002

Dr. DeFeo's research interests encompass workforce development in education, teacher labor market dynamics (including turnover, supply, and demand), and critical analysis of curriculum representation and institutional hegemony. Her work addresses critical issues in education policy, particularly in the Alaskan context, examining systemic inequities and workforce alignment.

As the director of the Center for Alaska Education Policy Research, she leads initiatives that translate research into actionable policy recommendations for Alaskan educational institutions, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making and equity-focused reforms.