Jake Plantz

Statistical Consultant and Developer with a focus on educational methodology and novel approaches to cross-software integration.

• Created the mplusParallel.automation package, facilitating seamless parallel processing capabilities when using R and Mplus in combination. This results in at least 100% faster computational speeds depending on the task.
• Offered personalized consultations for students and professionals on statistical and research methodology.
• Curated comprehensive statistical resources on psychological measurement tailored for novices.
• Authored and curated seminar materials on advanced statistical analyses including regression, ANOVA, and structural equation modeling.

Investigated advanced statistical techniques and contributed to groundbreaking research in quantitative psychology.

• Synthesized 80 years of Forced-Choice response style scholarship into a first of its kind guide on constructing, analyzing, and interpreting a Forced-Choice Assessment.
• Led exhaustive review of 40+ non-cognitive educational assessments, identifying and rectifying gaps in validity evidence.
• Pioneered The Sentencing Goals Inventory, a novel assessment used by policy makers, and displayed its robust validity evidence through advanced statistical analyses.
• Collaborated with industry partners on research, producing a white paper, 3 manuscripts, and 5 poster presentations that used IRT, SEM, and DIF methodologies.
• Assisted in teaching, preparing course materials, and managing 7 courses, impacting 1000+ students.
• Assisted in administrative operations for an 8-member lab, planned key activities, maintained grant accounts, and initiated professional development programs.

Drove advanced statistical analyses on non-cognitive assessments

• Spearheaded a comprehensive examination of group differences using 60+ statistical analyses, highlighting key findings in comprehensive reports for executive leadership.
• Contributed to development of the company's key non-cognitive educational test by organizing, examining, and quantifiying the state of its research.
• Leveraged my expertise in forced-choice assessment to drive ongoing validation and enhancement of the company's non-cognitive assessments.