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Did you know that IPAs staff members are just as varied and interesting as our many areas of expertise? On #MeetUsMondays, well feature a different member of our team each week in the hopes that you can get to know us better.
Lets meet Chris Kelly. We asked Chris five questions, read on for his responses:
Who are you?
I grew up in a rural area outside of a small town in northwestern Pennsylvania (Go Bears) and spent most of my teenage years working as a laborer for my uncles construction company. Im a proud alumnus of Mercyhurst University and the University of Delaware. Im fortunate to have a job where I get to work with awesome public servants, community partners, and students to complete practical research projects that help to inform state and local public policy.
What are you working on?
Im working on projects related to public school funding and management, career and technical education, supporting students as they graduate from high school, and improving access to operational data to support decision-making. I tend to get myself involved with a variety of projects so Im always working on something new.
Where are you working?
I was working from my parents house in northwestern Pennsylvania. Its a former dairy farm that my parents turned into a grooming and boarding shop for dogs about 20 years ago. I went up to visit them for St. Patricks Day and decided to stay for a few additional weeks due to the pandemic. Im now back in Delaware and working from my home in Newark near main campus with my chinchilla office mate.
Why do you do this work?
I really enjoy doing work that has a positive impact on the community. Ive been very fortunate in life to have been provided with a large, supportive family and amazing teachers/mentors that have helped me get to where I am today, so this is my way of paying it forward. Also, I just really enjoy the work and am always excited to take on a new challenge.
When Im not working, Im:
I get myself involved with a lot of exciting things at the office, so I always try to get some rest and relaxation when Im not working. Im usually playing videogames (Xbox One and Nintendo Switch), lounging outside in the sun, reading a book, taking a nap, working on some projects around the house, or visiting with family and friends.
