Frances Burden, a 2009 Penn State crime, law, and justice Ph.D. alumna, is the principal and co-founder of Ad Hoc Analytics, a statistical consulting firm that specializes in program evaluation and application of advanced analytics. The firm works on numerous projects related to criminal justice, education, and minority issues in higher education.
Burden’s previous experience includes research at the Vera Institute of Justice, an associate at the consulting firm ICF International, and a policy analyst at the Virginia State Crime Commission, before deciding to start her own consulting company in 2008. She describes starting her own company as “a risk, but a rewarding one,” and hopes to pass on what she’s learned to people looking to do the same.
Ad Hoc Analytics uses statistical and analytical skills to assist clients and partner with other consulting firms to identify needs and develop analytical protocols.
Burden earned her M.P.P. from William & Mary and her B.A. in American History and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania. She credits her liberal arts education and classwork for helping her succeed in her career and prepare for leadership.
According to Burden, the most important quality of a successful leader is one’s ability to develop other people.
Burden participated in the Penn State Women: Leaders of Today and Tomorrow events held September 25–26, 2019.