Anna R. Saavedra is a Research Scientist at the University of Southern California Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research. Her research focuses on inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning (e.g. Action Civics, project-based learning). Currently and for the past six years, she has been Principal Investigator (PI) of a large-scale, mixed-methods, randomized controlled trial efficacy study of the implementation and impact of the "Knowledge in Action” (KIA) project-based learning approach to teaching Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government and AP Environmental Science, funded by the George Lucas Educational Foundation. She also currently leads a large national study of parents’ perceptions and reports on their children’s educational experiences during COVID-19 with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Science Foundation. Prior research included roles leading four studies on the effectiveness of International Baccalaureate and serving as co-PI on a large-scale mixed-methods personalized and mastery-based learning evaluation. She conducts virtually all of her research with economically-disadvantaged and minority students and their teachers. Journals including Economics of Education Review, Teachers College Record, Harvard Education Press and Compare have published her work. Prior to her research career, Dr. Saavedra managed educational programs and partnerships for an educational travel company and taught high school world history. Her education master’s and doctorate are from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.