Derek Thomas

Derek leverages his expertise in early childhood policy research, data analysis, visualization, and design to support the work of 3Si clients

For more than a decade, Derek has worked with nonprofit and private sector partners by conducting economic analyses, producing public policy research, and creating data dashboards to communicate findings. Derek’s work has furthered a wide range of public policy goals, from strengthening public assistance programs to requiring greater transparency in public spending. For example, Derek’s research helped secure a $30 million investment in Indiana’s child care subsidy program to smooth out the program’s benefit cliff. In New York City, Derek led the development of an open data tool that allows nonprofit human services providers to track and analyze trends in their federal grant funding.

Derek is currently an associate professor for Data Visualization and Design at Columbia University. Derek received an MPA and a BS in Policy Analysis and Economics from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.