Danielle Barefoot
Policy Analyst
Danielle Barefoot is a policy analyst at The Hilltop Institute, where she conducts policy research and data analysis to support policy decision making. Previously, Danielle worked as a graduate research assistant for Hilltop’s Analytics and Research team, contributing to the performance monitoring, operations, and quality control for Hilltop’s portfolio of preventative models designed to enhance primary care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in Maryland.
Before joining Hilltop, Danielle was a research assistant for the School of Public Policy at UMBC and worked professionally in higher education administration. As a research assistant they reviewed and summarized literature, facilitated and transcribed in-depth semi-structure interviews, and assisted with qualitative analysis of participant interviews to identify key themes. As the assessment and outcomes coordinator for the Division of Student Life at the University of Iowa, Danielle provided assessment consultation for 16 departments, supported data collection and analysis efforts related to alcohol harm reduction, ending gender-based violence and graduate student needs, and provided operational support for the division’s strategic plan.
Danielle—currently completing a PhD in public policy at UMBC—earned a MEd in counselor education (student affairs) from Clemson University and a BS in exercise science from the University of South Carolina.