About

I am an Associate Professor of Research Methodology at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, USA. I received my Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where my dissertation examined sequential change detection and Bayesian learning promotion under cognitive diagnosis models.

My research is in psychometrics and statistical methodology, with primary interests in cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs), item response theory (IRT), knowledge space theory (KST), and sequential decision methods. A recurring theme of my work is the statistical representation of latent mastery states and the development of methods for identifying, monitoring, and promoting learning in adaptive assessment environments.

Recent work has addressed adaptive mastery detection, the relationship between IRT and discrete latent-state models, identifiability of psychometric models, Q-matrix structure, and sequential designs for computerized adaptive learning. I also collaborate on methodological problems involving Bayesian inference, longitudinal data, machine learning, vocational assessment, and clinical and behavioral research.

Research Areas

• Cognitive Diagnosis and Diagnostic Assessment
  Cognitive diagnosis models, Q-matrix specification and identification, latent skill profiles, diagnostic classification, and computerized adaptive diagnosis.

• Item Response Theory and Knowledge Space Theory
  IRT model identification, KST-IRT models, local dependence, and relationships between continuous and discrete representations of latent traits.

• Adaptive Assessment and Learning
  Computerized adaptive assessment, mastery detection, adaptive item selection, learning promotion, and diagnostic feedback.

• Sequential and Bayesian Methods
  Sequential change detection, sequential hypothesis testing, Bayesian decision methods, and statistical procedures for decisions based on accumulating response data.

• Applied Quantitative Methodology
  Statistical modeling and study design in educational, behavioral, vocational rehabilitation, and clinical research.

Selected Current Research

Adaptive mastery detection

I study statistical procedures for determining when sufficient evidence has accumulated to conclude that a learner has acquired one or more skills. This work combines cognitive diagnosis models with sequential detection methods and adaptive assessment.

Adaptive learning and item selection

Current work examines how assessment and instructional items can be selected sequentially to improve learning efficiency while retaining adequate information for mastery classification. Methods under study include information-based selection rules, Bayesian decision procedures, and adaptive allocation methods.

Identification in cognitive diagnosis models

A second line of research concerns conditions under which Q-matrices and latent skill profiles are statistically distinguishable. This work examines identification and classification under general and mixed cognitive diagnosis models.

IRT and discrete latent-state models

I also study formal relationships among item response theory, knowledge space theory, and related discrete latent-variable models. This work concerns model identification, local dependence, and the conditions under which different psychometric representations imply equivalent or distinguishable response distributions.

Academic Appointments

• Florida Atlantic University, USA, 2024–2026
  • Associate Professor of Research Methodology
  • Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
• University of Tübingen, Germany, 2021–2024
  • Research Associate, Methods Center
  • Co-Principal Investigator, German Research Foundation-funded project
• University of Missouri–Kansas City, USA, 2017–2021
  • Assistant Professor
  • Department of Mathematics and Statistics
  • School of Nursing and Health Studies

Education

• Ph.D., Statistics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2017
  • Dissertation: Sequential Change Detection and Bayesian Learning Promotion under Cognitive Diagnosis Models

• M.S., Statistics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2012 (Transferred to Ph.D. Program)

• B.S., Statistics, Minor in Mathematics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2011
  • Highest Distinction

Professional Links

Research · Teaching · Publications · Google Scholar · Curriculum Vitae