David Livert, Ph.D. Principal  Analyst

David Livert, Ph.D. (City University of New York) brings to Illumin considerable experience in research methodology and design, statistical analyses, and program evaluation. Livert has conducted studies for clients ranging from non-profit organizations to institutions of higher education including the National Science Foundation, New York Department of Education, Gates Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as school districts in New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Livert received his undergraduate and master's degrees in psychology from Vanderbilt University and his Ph.D. in social psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center. David enjoys camping, biking, and playing jazz piano. He serves as the Main Representative to the United Nations for the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. 

Roblyn Rawlins, Ph.D. Senior Analyst

Roblyn Rawlins, Ph.D. (State University of New York at Stony Brook) and a B.A. in Urban Studies from Georgia State University. Her research interests include identity, expertise, and the social construction of childhood precocity/giftedness. Dr. Rawlins has served as Faculty Research Network Scholar-in-Residence at New York University, Professor of Sociology at the College of New Rochelle, and is currently a Visiting Professor of Sociology at Wilkes University.

Dr. Rawlins’s methodological expertise lies primarily in qualitative and mixed-methods studies, including comparative/historical methods, analysis of textual and other artifacts, observation-based methods, and in-depth interviewing techniques. She is an experienced field researcher, interviewer, and focus group moderator and has conducted applied research projects utilizing interviews, observations, focus groups, and survey methodologies for numerous organizations including public school districts, institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. 

Chris Aberson, Ph.D. Principal Analyst

Chris Aberson earned his PhD in Social and Quantitative Psychology from The Claremont Graduate University. He served for 23 years at Cal Poly Humboldt as both a Professor of Psychology and Department Chair. He is completing a six-year term as Editor-in-Chief at Analyses of Public Policy and Social Issues, an official journal of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. He had served as an associate editor at Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, Collabra: Psychology, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, and The Journal of Social Psychology. He previously received the Outstanding Teaching Award and Fellow status from the Western Psychological Association. He has published over 60 peer reviewed articles, books, and invited chapters. His research focuses on intergroup relations and statistical and methodological issues. His most recent book (2019) is the second edition of Applied Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences.

In his free time, he enjoys time with his family, cooking, and running. 

Jon Grahe, Ph.D. Principal Analyst

Jon Grahe earned his PhD in Experimental Social Psychology from the University of Toledo. Across 26 years became a Professor of Psychology and Department Chair at multiple institutions. He is a former President of Western Psychological Association, a former President of Psi Chi: The International Honors Society for Psychology, and a former Managing Executive Editor for the Journal of Social Psychology. He currently serves as Senior Editorial Advisor for Routledge Open Research: Psychology. He was recognized as Fellow for both the Western Psychological Association and Midwestern Psychological Association. He has published over 50 peer reviewed articles in addition to books and invited chapters. His most recent book (2022) is entitled “A Journey into Open Science and Research Transparency in Psychology”, and is a co-editor of two volumes (Volume 1 published 2023) celebrating, “Early Contributions of Women of Color to Psychology”. 

Yonas Ermias, Director of Operations, Project Manager

Yonas Ermias, studied Computer Science and Mathematics at Liberty University. He is also registered with the IRS as an RTRP through 2025 and as an EA/RTRP from 2011-2017. Yonas possesses decades in most of the following and years of experience in sales, project management, budget, operations, accounting, public relations, advertising, marketing and executive administration. He is also fluent in Spanish and Amharic and can carry conversations in Serbian, Mandarin, and Sign Language.

In his free time Yonas enjoys reading, cooking, anything wine, playing chess, word games, basketball, and working out.