Alyssa Scott is a senior research analyst in the youth development program area. She is known for her dedication to community-based participatory research, youth participatory action research, and adding participatory elements to her research projects whenever possible. Alyssa has received a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health from the University of Minnesota.

Her past research projects have included a Youth Participatory Action Research project to create a peer-to-peer relationship framework, analyzing the impact of probation on parenting, working with women who experienced sexual exploitation to increase access to criminal expungement in Minnesota, and creating welcoming and inclusive communities for immigrant and refugee families in rural Minnesota. Prior to graduate school, Alyssa supported the Minnesota Department of Human Services in compliance for their new Olmstead Plan, designed to aid youth and adults with disabilities to live and work in the community, and addressing disability policy and nonprofit communications.

Alyssa’s research interests include racial equity in maternal and child health, justice-involved youth and young adults, behavioral health, and creating culturally-grounded programs, policies, and practices that meet the needs of local communities.