Maya Escueta

Maya Escueta is a doctoral candidate in the Economics and Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is excited to support the MiiE team in textbook acquisition and data collection processes. Maya’s research focuses on leveraging rigorous quantitative methods and insights from psychology and neuroscience to investigate the role of trauma and adversity in the early developmental outcomes of vulnerable children. Originally from California, Maya is also a former professional dancer with a keen interest in self-expression through art and movement. She holds a Master's in Public Policy from Duke University, and a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Columbia University. From an early age, Maya’s experiences with art gave her a lens to grapple with the various aspects of her identity that shape her personal challenges, opportunities and ability to achieve, and inspired her to investigate how inequities in childhood shape these challenges and opportunities for particularly vulnerable children.