Research & Strategy

Laying the
groundwork for evidence-led
learning and impact.

I partner with EdTech teams and research organizations to design stronger studies, measure what matters, and turn evidence into strategy.

Josh Medrano, Ph.D.

About

Research training meets real-world decision-making.

I'm Josh Medrano — a researcher trained in human development and learning sciences, with more than seven years of experience designing, analyzing, and interpreting research on how people learn, especially in math and science.

My work sits at the intersection of research and real-world decision-making. I partner with teams who care about evidence but need clarity: What question are we actually trying to answer? What counts as meaningful impact? What should we do next?

I bring methodological rigor, structured thinking, and a practical lens — ensuring that research doesn't just exist, but informs direction.

UC Berkeley

Postdoctoral Scholar

Ph.D.

Human Development

Services

From analysis to narrative to strategy.

Three ways Groundwork supports research-driven teams.

01

Data Analysis & Research Services

I design and execute strong research strategies that help organizations move from data collection to decision-making — including research design, experimental and quasi-experimental studies, statistical modeling, and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

Outcome: Insight that shapes product and program strategy.

02

Research Writing & Editorial

I support researchers, organizations, and grant teams in producing clear, compelling research documents — from strengthening manuscripts and grant proposals to tightening logic, framing, and communication.

Outcome: Research communicated with precision and impact.

03

Consulting for EdTech Startups

Early- and growth-stage EdTech teams often collect data but struggle to connect it to learning science and product decisions. I work with founders and product teams to define meaningful learning metrics, design evaluation strategies, and ground product claims in credible evidence.

Outcome: Products that are innovative and demonstrably effective.

Credentials

Built on a research foundation.

Many organizations value research but lack the internal capacity to translate cognitive science into strategic action. Groundwork bridges that gap — combining academic rigor with practical execution.

9+

Peer-Reviewed Publications

33+

Conference Presentations

5

University Affiliations

Recognition & Experience

Education

  • Ph.D., Human Development — University of Maryland
  • M.Ed., Educational Psychology — University of Virginia
  • B.A., Psychology — Ohio State University

Contact

Want to talk through a research, impact, or product question?

Whether you're scoping a study, strengthening a grant proposal, or figuring out how to measure what matters — I'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch