Looking for an education researcher or writer?
You’ve come to the right place.
What I Do
I take on small-scale, user-centered research and writing projects. My research enables organizations to make better products, improve practice, and advocate for better policies.
Who I Work With
I work with educational organizations, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, media outlets, edtech companies, and others who have interesting questions and a desire to see them fully investigated.
My clients include…
Why work with me?
I move faster and more flexibly than a typical agency.
I don’t take a cookie cutter approach. Instead, I match the research design to the goals, questions, and resources of the client.
I collaborate with clients throughout the process—developing protocols, sharing emerging findings, and brainstorming organizational responses.
I focus on actionability and recommendations, not just pretty slide decks.
I don’t rely on clients’ personal networks. I am intentional in recruiting diverse research subjects.
I can listen and speak to a variety of stakeholders and audiences—from research subjects to product teams to policymakers to marketing groups—in ways that resonate with them.
My pricing is all-inclusive from day one, so you won’t see unexpected fees.
I’ve been published in…
What People Are Saying
“Dr. Burstein is incredible to work with: detail-oriented, accurate, responsive, and approachable. She has a knack for finding the stories that need to be told and weaving them together into clear, vivid pieces.”
— Rachel Berglund, Assistant Director at the Center for Children and Families at University of Texas at Dallas
“Rachel has the rare and cherished gift of being a sterling communicator. She is able to take complex ideas and make meaning of them.”
— Dr. Tracy A. Huebner, Director of Innovations for Advancing Teaching and Learning at WestEd
“The time, thoughtfulness, and expertise that Rachel brings are unparalleled.
If you're looking to position yourself as a thought leader in the [education] space, then Rachel is exactly who you need to talk to."
—Martha Karmali, Education, Workforce & Business Services Marketing Manager at SmartBrief
