Our People
Our Faculty
Dr. Patrick Jones
Dr. Patrick Jones is the executive director of the Institute; he has served in this role since the Institute’s inception in 2002. In addition, he currently serves on the council of the Washington State Data Center (advisory to U.S. Census), the board of Spokane’s Health Sciences & Service Authority, as well as the steering committee for Priority Spokane, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-honored organization. Over the course of his career, he has often served-on and chaired local, state, and national boards and panels. For his impact on the local community, Jones was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the City of Spokane in 2016. He holds a doctorate in Applied & Agricultural Economics from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Contact Dr. Patrick Jones at dpjones@ewu.edu
Dr. Kelley Cullen
Dr. Kelley Cullen is the Institute’s policy analyst and economist, who also teaches courses in economics and statistics in EWU’s School of Business. She received her PhD in Economics with concentrations in health, labor, and econometrics from Washington State University. Dr. Cullen enjoys presenting on these topics, along with sports economics through the National Economic Education Delegation (NEED).
Contact Dr. Kelley Cullen at kcullen@ewu.edu
Our Student Interns
Kellan Burns
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Major: Computer Science
Expected Graduation Date: Summer 2025
Post-graduation plans: Start a career as a software developer.
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
My favorite thing so far is seeing the real-life meaning of our work. The data we collect often tells a different story from what people expect, and I think it makes people look at the world a bit differently. I’ve already learned lots here, and I’m excited for this year with Dr. Jones, Dr. Cullen, and the other interns at The Institute.
Drew Dillon
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Major: Economics and Business System Analytics
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Post-graduation plans: Find a good job in a new city.
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
The actual work for sure. What I do for The Insitute does not feel like work most of the time. I enjoy solving the puzzles that come with data analysis and there are lots of puzzles to be solved here. I also really enjoy the people I work with. Dr. Cullen and Dr. Jones are amazing, as well as my fellow interns. We make a great team.
Alanna Mesecher
Hometown: Valley, WA
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Post-graduation plans: Start looking for a career with a CPA firm, or a non-profit organization.
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
I enjoy collecting data and learning new information. Collecting and providing data that helps community leaders make important decisions is very rewarding, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.
Jimena Ramos
Hometown: Royal City, Washington
Major: Data Analytics
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2025
Post-graduation plans: Find a job in Spokane or Tri-Cities
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
My favorite thing is the opportunity to see the impact of our work and how it influences strategic decisions. It’s been interesting diving deep into data analysis and learning new skills. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with Dr. Jones, Dr. Cullen, and the other interns as they’re a great team!
Malina Weigel
Hometown: Okanogan, WA
Major: Economics Major w/ a minor in business administration
Expected Graduation Date: June 2026
Post-graduation plans: I’m hoping to go to graduate school for Economics or Data Science!
After a few months of working on the Trends project, my favorite thing so far:
In the time I’ve been working here my favorite thing is definitely being challenged to learn new topics I haven’t had experience with before.
