Our Clients
ILC has proudly concucted research and evaluation work with a vibrant network of leading universities, government agencies, and organizations around the world
Meet our team
We are dedicated to providing evaluation, research, strategic planning and assessment services that facilitate organizational, program, and student growth and success.
CEO & Principal Evaluator
Dr. Angelicque Tucker Blackmon leads Innovative Learning Center with over 25 years experience in STEM education evaluation focusing on partnering with world-class institutions and people to change how we approach STEM evaluation and education.
Data Statistician Consultant
Dr. Calistro has extensive experience in hypothesis testing, linear and generalized linear modeling, structural equation modeling, linear mixed modeling, factor analysis, psychometrics, item response theory (IRT), Bayesian statistics, ML, and LLMs.
Evaluation Consultant
Dr. Sydney Okland is a mixed methods researcher with a Ph.D. degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, Her experience includes designing interactive narrative tools and using data visualization to translate community experiences into insight.
Evaluation Consultant
Dr. Teasdale is a national evaluation leader of science museum and community programs, studying how hands-on design, storytelling, and exhibitions support identity, collaboration, and learning—especially for youth
Qualitative Evaluation Analyst
Dr. Katie Trautman received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Language and Literacy Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research examines how preservice teachers develop critical translingual stances and reflective practice.
New Evaluation Consultant
Our new evaluation associates from Graduate Schools across the nation will be added here soon.
ILC has proudly concucted research and evaluation work with a vibrant network of leading universities, government agencies, and organizations around the world
Dr. Angelicque Tucker Blackmon is a nationally respected expert in STEM education evaluation with over 25 years of experience transforming how we assess and improve learning in science and technology. As Founder and CEO of Innovative Learning Center (ILC), she partners with leading institutions to develop human-centered, data-informed approaches to STEM program design and evaluation.
Blending data analytics with ethnographic research, Dr. Blackmon helps organizations create impactful, culturally relevant learning experiences that drive measurable outcomes.
She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Studies (Science Education) from Emory University, holds a B.S. and M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from Georgia Tech, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cultural Anthropology. Before founding ILC in 2003, she worked as a research chemist with Dow Chemical and 3M.
Dr. Blackmon has led over 20 funded research initiatives and authored more than 30 reports, presentations, and publications advancing STEM equity and innovation. She currently serves as Principal Investigator on a cutting-edge eye-tracking study in distance learning, with implications for both chemistry education and intelligent software development.
Certified in Human Subjects Protections (CITI Program, 2027)
Dr. Zhina Shen is the Director of Research and Evaluation at the Innovative Learning Center (ILC), where she leads evaluation initiatives that strengthen programs, illuminate impact, and support sustainable funding across STEM and arts-based education spaces. She partners closely with educators, artists, and program leaders to design evaluations that honor creativity, lived experience, and measurable outcomes—turning complex data into meaningful insights that guide thoughtful decision-making.
Dr. Shen earned her Ph.D. in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin, along with two Master of Science degrees—one in Statistics and one in Special Education. Her interdisciplinary training supports her evaluation expertise in STEM education and arts-based programming using creative qualitative and advanced quantitative analysis.
Dr. Shen brings specialized expertise in evaluating arts-based and inclusive learning environments. Her work includes the evaluation of Joshua’s Stage Theatre Arts Program, a premier performance and enrichment center in the Austin, Texas area serving children and youth ages 3–18 with a wide range of disabilities.
Through her evaluation of Joshua’s Stage, Dr. Shen assessed how arts-based programming supports developmental growth, social engagement, and expressive capacity within a supportive and affirming environment. Her approach emphasized accessibility, participant voice, and the nuanced outcomes that arts programs uniquely generate—outcomes often overlooked by traditional evaluation models but essential for understanding program value and impact.
As Principal Investigator for a state-funded study in Texas, Dr. Shen led research on manipulative-based interventions designed to improve whole-number computation for K–12 students with mathematics difficulties. She conducted a meta-analysis to assess the impact of these interventions, contributing to the evidence base for supporting students with learning challenges in STEM education.
Her research experience includes randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental design, meta-analysis, correlational studies, and secondary data analysis. She also has qualitative expertise in constructing interview protocols and conducting focus groups, enabling her to lead mixed-method evaluations that center both evidence and context.
Across all of her work, Dr. Shen blends methodological rigor with deep respect for people, programs, and purpose, helping funders and organizations see not only what changed, but why it matters.
Dr. Terrence Calistro holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the City University of New York. He brings extensive experience in statistical consulting, data analysis, teaching, and research support, with a focus on behavioral science, education, and health-related topics.
As a statistical consultant, Dr. Calistro specializes in statistical modeling, APA-style reporting, and data visualization. He supports research projects on adolescent health, institutional resilience, and academic performance, using tools such as R and SPSS to manage complex data—from cleaning to interpretation. His work includes developing clear, actionable insights and supporting all phases of research, including lab collaboration and conference preparation.
Dr. Calistro also teaches courses in research design and statistics as an adjunct professor. He emphasizes hands-on application to help students understand and apply advanced analytical concepts. In his role as a learning support facilitator, he tutors students in psychology and statistics, encouraging independent learning and academic success.
His experience spans grant-funded projects, freelance analysis, and academic support. He conducts a range of statistical tests, including t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and non-parametric analyses. All findings are presented in accessible, APA-compliant formats, paired with clear data visualizations.
With a strong blend of analytical, instructional, and consulting skills, Dr. Calistro contributes meaningful value to projects requiring both methodological rigor and practical data interpretation.
Sydney Okland is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and a mixed-methods researcher specializing in program evaluation and social-behavioral science. With a background in qualitative and quantitative methodology, Sydney designs and executes evaluations that blend statistical rigor with culturally responsive analysis.
At ILC, Sydney contributes to STEM education research by creating evaluation frameworks that capture both measurable outcomes and contextual nuance. She uses survey design, data visualization, and qualitative coding to support clients in interpreting results and applying findings to real-world challenges. Her work helps education leaders identify what’s working, where to improve, and how to serve students more effectively.
Sydney’s academic research focuses on the emotional and linguistic effects of social rejection, including large-scale studies involving over 600 participants. She has led every stage of the research process, from participant recruitment to analysis, and brings this operational expertise to her consulting work.
By integrating ethnography with data analytics, Sydney ensures that STEM evaluations reflect the lived experiences of students and educators. Her approach supports ILC’s mission to deliver equity-driven insights that are both rigorous and human-centered.