Sara Ali
Atlanta,Georgia
Summary
Research and data analytics professional with a PhD in Political Science and extensive experience supporting data-driven decision-making in higher education environments. Proven ability to collect, manage, analyze, and synthesize complex data from multiple sources, including surveys, institutional datasets, and external benchmarks. Recognized for translating technical findings into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences and producing high-quality reports under tight deadlines.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Cross-Cultural Immigration Support Specialist
Smith, Thompson, Franklin & Uriel Law
Atlanta, GA
01.2024 - Current
- Collect, manage, and analyze detailed case data and regulatory documentation to support accurate reporting
- Track policy and regulatory changes and synthesize complex information into clear summaries
- Maintain organized documentation systems ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality
Research Assistant / Instructor of Record
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research using surveys and multi-source datasets
- Analyzed performance indicators, survey results, and comparative data
- Produced data-driven reports and presentations for academic and administrative audiences
- Maintained documentation of methodologies and analytical processes
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects and enhance data integrity.
- Collaborated with faculty and students to analyze research findings, fostering a team-oriented environment.
- Developed presentations summarizing research outcomes for academic conferences and internal meetings.
Translator / Research Assistant
Terre des Hommes Organization
Italy
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Supported international research initiatives focused on humanitarian risk, conflict dynamics, and regional security issues.
- Conducted multilingual open-source research and document analysis to support situational awareness and reporting.
- Maintained confidentiality while working with sensitive materials related to vulnerable populations and international operations.
Research Intern – Nuclear Policy Project
Landau Network
Italy
01.2011 - 2011
- Collected and analyzed open-source intelligence, policy documents, and geopolitical data to support strategic assessments.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software to ensure accuracy of findings.
- Assisted in drafting analytical summaries and research outputs for international audiences.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects and identify key trends.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Foreign Languages /International Studies
Catholic University of The Sacred Heart
Milan, Italy04-2010
Master of Arts - Political Science
Catholic University of The Sacred Heart
Milan, Italy04-2012
Ph.D. - Political Science
Georgia State University
05-2024
Skills
- Qualtrics
- SPSS
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Visualization
- Academic & Institutional Databases
- Report writing
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Statistical analysis
- Multitasking and organization
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved improved data accuracy and reporting efficiency by implementing Zotero and Excel to support data collection and analysis.
- Collaborated with a team of 6 to develop reports which led to the publishing of a manuscript.
- Enhanced cross-unit data sharing by introducing standardized reporting tools in Excel and SPSS.
Languages
Italian
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Cross-Cultural Immigration Support Specialist
Smith, Thompson, Franklin & Uriel Law
01.2024 - Current
Research Assistant / Instructor of Record
Georgia State University
01.2018 - 01.2024
Translator / Research Assistant
Terre des Hommes Organization
01.2011 - 01.2012
Research Intern – Nuclear Policy Project
Landau Network
01.2011 - 2011
Bachelor of Arts - Foreign Languages /International Studies
Catholic University of The Sacred Heart
Master of Arts - Political Science
Catholic University of The Sacred Heart
Ph.D. - Political Science
Georgia State University
Core Competencies
- Institutional Research & Analytics
- Survey Design & Analysis
- University Rankings & Benchmarking
- Data Collection & Documentation
- Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis
- Reporting for Non-Technical Audiences
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data Integrity