Vinita Chhabra
Washington
Summary
Proven leader in educational psychology and literacy research with over 20 years of expertise in education policy, federal research funding, and program evaluation. Demonstrated strategic thinking abilities with a strong track record in managing $250M research portfolios, shaping national literacy and civics education initiatives, and effectively translating research into actionable policies while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Experienced evaluator providing cognitive and educational assessments and data collection for educational placement in both public and private schools. Committed to ensuring all learners have access to high-quality, evidence-based interventions for success. Results-driven professional with a solid foundation in program management, excelling in project oversight and implementation. Recognized for collaborative efforts in team environments and adaptability to dynamic project requirements. Expertise in strategic planning and stakeholder relations enhances operational efficiency and program success.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Officer, Literacy and Civics Education Portfolios
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Lead expert for literacy, civics education, and social studies research grants, providing technical guidance to 75–100 applicants annually, and ensuring alignment with federal research priorities throughout the grant process
- Managed a diverse portfolio of 50+ research grants ($250M), driving evidence-based improvements in K-12 literacy and civics education
- Monitored grants and ensured compliance with federal regulations and research rigor, supporting grantees in meeting methodological and statistical standards
- Provided technical assistance to 75-100 applicants annually, aligning proposals with research priorities
- Advised senior leadership on portfolio trends, providing data-driven insights and strategic recommendations for future research funding
- Closed multiple grants and disseminated findings to public data repositories and broader audiences
- Aligned and adapted grant objectives with research trajectories
- Led four Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) panel reviews annually, evaluating high-impact education technology proposals
- Facilitated collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and educators to advance innovative and equitable literacy interventions nationwide
- Shaped researcher awareness strategies to solicit interest in literacy, civics education and social studies portfolio
- Tripled civics education and social studies applications for 2025
Research and Dissemination Scientist
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (IES), U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.2010 - 01.2019
- Directed all communications and knowledge dissemination for the research division, managing newsflashes, public inquiries, blogs, and social media engagement to enhance research visibility
- Trained and led a team of colleagues and student researchers in developing, revising, and publishing grant abstracts using plain language principles to improve accessibility
- Served as primary liaison for all website and digital content activities, overseeing landing page updates, content strategy, and public inquiry management for the National Center for Education Research (NCER)
- Authored and edited the division’s internal weekly newsletter, translating complex education research findings into actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders
- Streamlined abstract generation process from four months to six weeks for release of new grant awards
Senior Program Officer for Adult Literacy
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Led federal adult literacy research synthesis
- Evaluated large-scale literacy interventions
- Provided technical assistance to educational organizations and research applicants for grant proposals for national programs
Research Consultant
HASKINS LABORATORIES
01.2009 - 01.2009
- Conducted adolescent reading motivation research, completed statistical analyses, and synthesized peer-reviewed literacy studies
Educational Research Scientist (Contractor)
THE EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD), NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Managed literacy research dissemination for the National Reading Panel, coordinated federal education policy forums, and advised on teacher development and bilingual literacy initiatives
Adjunct Professor, School of Education
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
01.2006 - 01.2006
- Developed reading curriculum and assessments, taught literacy courses for rural educators, and analyzed teacher knowledge on No Child Left Behind standards
School Psychological Evaluator
LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Conducted comprehensive psychological evaluations and assessments for K-12 students to support special education interventions
Research Scientist (Contractor)
THE NATIONAL READING PANEL, THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD), NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Analyzed over 20,000 reading research studies across qualitative and experimental designs, including regression analysis, observational methods, and multilevel modeling
- Led public dissemination efforts for the National Reading Panel, including report promotion, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with media and literacy organizations
- Authored research syntheses and edited high-level report drafts to inform national reading policy and education practice
- Collaborated with literacy organizations and federal stakeholders to advance early, adolescent, and bilingual literacy initiatives grounded in evidence-based standards
Education
PH.D. - EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VADOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP - NEUROSCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
NEW HAVEN, CTM.ED. - LEARNING DISABILITIES
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VAB.S. - MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (VIRGINIA TECH)
BLACKSBURG, VASkills
- Leadership training certification, 2024
- Neuropsychological assessment expertise
- Microsoft Excel, Federal Data Systems, and PowerPoint
- Assessment of grant and funding structures
Affiliations
- The Dyslexia Foundation
- National Council for the Social Studies
Timeline
Program Officer, Literacy and Civics Education Portfolios
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.2019 - 01.2025
Research and Dissemination Scientist
INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (IES), U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.2010 - 01.2019
Senior Program Officer for Adult Literacy
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY
01.2009 - 01.2010
Research Consultant
HASKINS LABORATORIES
01.2009 - 01.2009
Adjunct Professor, School of Education
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
01.2006 - 01.2006
Educational Research Scientist (Contractor)
THE EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD), NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
01.2002 - 01.2008
School Psychological Evaluator
LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
01.2000 - 01.2002
Research Scientist (Contractor)
THE NATIONAL READING PANEL, THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (NICHD), NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)
01.1997 - 01.2002
DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP - NEUROSCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
M.ED. - LEARNING DISABILITIES
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
B.S. - MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (VIRGINIA TECH)
PH.D. - EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
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