David Livert, Ph.D. Principal Analyst
David Livert, Ph.D. (City University of New York) brings to Illumin considerable experience in research methodology and design, statistical analyses, and program evaluation. Livert has conducted studies for clients ranging from non-profit organizations to institutions of higher education including the National Science Foundation, New York Department of Education, Gates Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as school districts in New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Livert received his undergraduate and master's degrees in psychology from Vanderbilt University and his Ph.D. in social psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center. David enjoys camping, biking, and playing jazz piano. He serves as the Main Representative to the United Nations for the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.
Roblyn Rawlins, Ph.D. Senior Analyst
Roblyn Rawlins, Ph.D. (State University of New York at Stony Brook) and a B.A. in Urban Studies from Georgia State University. Her research interests include identity, expertise, and the social construction of childhood precocity/giftedness. Dr. Rawlins has served as Faculty Research Network Scholar-in-Residence at New York University, Professor of Sociology at the College of New Rochelle, and is currently a Visiting Professor of Sociology at Wilkes University.
Dr. Rawlins’s methodological expertise lies primarily in qualitative and mixed-methods studies, including comparative/historical methods, analysis of textual and other artifacts, observation-based methods, and in-depth interviewing techniques. She is an experienced field researcher, interviewer, and focus group moderator and has conducted applied research projects utilizing interviews, observations, focus groups, and survey methodologies for numerous organizations including public school districts, institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies.
Chris Aberson, Ph.D. Principal Analyst
Chris Aberson earned his PhD in Social and Quantitative Psychology from The Claremont Graduate University. He served for 23 years at Cal Poly Humboldt as both a Professor of Psychology and Department Chair. He is completing a six-year term as Editor-in-Chief at Analyses of Public Policy and Social Issues, an official journal of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. He had served as an associate editor at Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, Collabra: Psychology, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, and The Journal of Social Psychology. He previously received the Outstanding Teaching Award and Fellow status from the Western Psychological Association. He has published over 60 peer reviewed articles, books, and invited chapters. His research focuses on intergroup relations and statistical and methodological issues. His most recent book (2019) is the second edition of Applied Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences.
In his free time, he enjoys time with his family, cooking, and running.
Jon Grahe, Ph.D. Lead Analyst, Sales Director
Jon Grahe earned his PhD in Experimental Social Psychology from the University of Toledo. Across 26 years became a Professor of Psychology and Department Chair at multiple institutions. He is a former President of Western Psychological Association, a former President of Psi Chi: The International Honors Society for Psychology, and a former Managing Executive Editor for the Journal of Social Psychology. He currently serves as Senior Editorial Advisor for Routledge Open Research: Psychology. He was recognized as Fellow for both the Western Psychological Association and Midwestern Psychological Association. He has published over 50 peer reviewed articles in addition to books and invited chapters. His most recent book (2022) is entitled “A Journey into Open Science and Research Transparency in Psychology”, and is a co-editor of two volumes (Volume 1 published 2023) celebrating, “Early Contributions of Women of Color to Psychology”.
Alexis Bowman, Analyst, Intern
Alexis Bowman is currently a junior at East Stroudsburg University studying Psychology with a concentration in research. Alexis has a background and is proficient in research, statistics, and data analysis. During her time at ESU she has had the privilege of being a member of Psi Chi, a learning assistant, and been a part of both qualitative and quantitative experimental research. Alexis plans to graduate in the spring 2025 semester. After graduating she plans to take a year between obtaining her undergraduate degree and attending grad school. She has the hope that one day she will use her research to make a significant impact on the lives of those in underserved communities.
On her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with those closest to her.
Yonas Ermias, President, Project Manager
Yonas Ermias, studied Computer Science and Mathematics at Liberty University. He is also registered with the IRS as an RTRP through 2025 and as an EA/RTRP from 2011-2017. Yonas possesses decades in most of the following and years of experience in sales, project management, budget, operations, accounting, public relations, advertising, marketing and executive administration. He is also fluent in Spanish and Amharic and can carry conversations in Serbian, Mandarin, and Sign Language.
In his free time Yonas enjoys reading, cooking, anything wine, playing chess, word games, basketball, and working out.
Louis Prisock, Ph.D. Senior Analyst
Louis Prisock received his B.S. in Business Administration from Drexel University and his M.A. and Ph.D in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Louis' main research interests are social stratification and political sociology. Louis has published work on African American political ideologies with a specific focus on black conservative thought. In 2018 professor Prisock's book entitled "African Americans In Conservative Movements: The Inescapability of Race was published by Palgrave Macmillan. Currently Louis is working on a book project that examines the financial difficulties of well educated, white collar professional upper middle class Americans. The working title is "American Dreams, Financial Mirages: The Financial Challenges of Upper Middle Class Americans" and is scheduled to be released in the Fall of 2024 by Palgrave Macmillan.
In his spare time Louis enjoys cooking, traveling, taking film classes, and working on several screenplays.
Diamond Coleman, Intern, Analyst
Diamond Coleman is an undergraduate student at East Stroudsburg University pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology with a projected graduation date of December 2024. Diamond has studied and shown skill in data collection and analysis (qualitative and quantitative), communication, critical thinking, statistics, teamwork, public speaking, leadership, and teaching and tutoring. She is charismatic with extensive research, tutoring, administrative, and child development experience. Diamond is also a member of Psi Chi and Sigma Xi.
In her free time Diamond enjoys gardening and crocheting. She is very passionate about child development and advocating for children.
