Mike Sears
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Mail code: 9508Campus: Scottsdale
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As Senior Director of Academic Research in ASU's Action Lab, I lead a team dedicated to enhancing student success in ASU Online programs through the rigorous evaluation of educational innovations. Guided by ASU’s Charter commitment to inclusivity and impact, we analyze what drives student enrollment, persistence, and achievement to inform data-driven improvements.
My background includes over 20 years in biological sciences studying climate change impacts on ecosystems, which honed my expertise in complex systems thinking, rigorous inquiry, and data storytelling. I now apply this analytical foundation to higher education challenges, specializing in experimental design, causal inference, and statistical modeling. My focus is on understanding not just what works for students, but why, enabling us to build more equitable and effective learning pathways.
My team supports colleagues across ASU in developing and evaluating digital learning initiatives using research-grounded, data-driven insights. We welcome collaborations focused on impact.
View my publications on Google Scholar.
BS, Biology, Rhodes College (Memphis, TN)
PhD, Biology, University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)