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Robin R. LaSota, Ph.D., is director of translational research in the Department of Psychology at Northern Illinois University, as part of a contract with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Grounded in principles of justice, equity and healing-centered engagement, she directs the Office of Translational Research in designing and supporting implementation of actionable, data-driven solutions which promote workforce excellence, improve family and employee well-being, foster innovative and equity-driven practice and enhance organizational capacity.

LaSota applies her experience in evidence assessment for national registries and mixed-methods research training to evidence-based decision-making in state-level service delivery focused on the well-being of children, youth and families. She champions collaborative approaches to engaging individuals with lived expertise alongside researchers and practitioners to transform shared knowledge into sustainable practical application.

Based in Champaign, Illinois, LaSota utilizes her experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative data analyses, integrated mixed-methods research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and evidence gap maps to support organizational leaders, policymakers and researchers in actionable decision-making to help children, youth, and families grow and thrive.

Research Areas of Interest

• Cultivating research-practice partnerships in child welfare
• Developing organizational supports guiding evidence-based and data-informed decision-making towards improved child, youth and family well-being
• Supporting race, cultural, and gender identity resilience among children and youth with lived experience in care
• Bolstering supports to address inequities in educational access and opportunities among vulnerable student populations

Selected Publications in Child Welfare

Cross, T., Fox, H. L., Landa, C., LaSota, R., Thebaud, M., Hines, D…Steiner, M. J. (2024). . Urbana, IL: Children and Family Research Center.

Fox, H. L., LaSota, R. and Manthei, J. (2022). An exploratory analysis of transracial placements in Illinois. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

LaSota, R., Lotspeich-Yadao, M. and Song, E. (2021). Community factors associated with average substitute care entry rates in Illinois. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Lee, L., Tran, S., Braun, M., LaSota, R. and Fuller, T. (2021). . Champaign, IL: Children and Family Research Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Fuller, T., Lee, L. and LaSota, R. (2019). . Champaign, IL: Children and Family Research Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Selected Publications in Postsecondary Education

LaSota, R., Polanin, J. R., Perna, L. W., Rodgers, M. A. and Austin, M. J. (2024, April). . Review of Educational Research.

LaSota, R., Perna, L. W., Polanin, J. R., Austin, M., Steingut, R. and Rodgers, M. (2021). . Educational Researcher, online first.

Bailey, T., Bashford, J., Boatman, A., Squires, J., Weiss, M., Doyle, W., LaSota, R., Valentine, J. C., Polanin, J., Spinney, E., Wilson, W., Yeide, M. and Young, S. H. (2016). . Washington, DC: Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse.

LaSota, R. and Zumeta, W. (2015, September). . Research in Higher Education, 1-38.