Laura Kalb

Laura Kalb has more than 25 years of experience designing and directing large-scale data collection efforts using traditional and computer-assisted telephone interviewing, in-person, mail, and web methodologies. She has expertise in gathering dietary recall data, conducting assessments and observations, and managing logistically complicated and large multiyear data collections in the areas of education and child well-being.

Kalb, who joined Mathematica in 1999, has directed survey operations for many of Mathematica’s largest evaluations, including her latest role as the survey director for the 2017 Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey. For this project, she oversees the collection of data through multiple modes, including direct child assessments; classroom and home visit observations; interviews of parents, teachers, and program staff and directors; and weekly tracking of services offered and received. She also served as survey director for the first round of Baby FACES as well as for both waves of the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study, the Social and Character Development National Evaluation, the Mellon Graduate Initiative, and the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Food Study.

Kalb directs a survey, for the Office of Adolescent Health that is testing the impacts of programs for expectant and parenting teens. She also leads survey design and data collection for an evaluation of special education services for 3- to 5-years-olds and assessing the feasibility of an impact study of preschool special education interventions.

Kalb holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music from Skidmore College and is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research.