Alex Schuh, Ph.D.     Executive Director

Dr. Schuh is the founder and Director of FRONTIER21. Dr. Schuh holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied policy research and evaluation, collaborative learning, and the use of computer media for learning.  He received his Baccalaureate from Yale University in Cultural Anthropology. His expertise is in multiple areas of youth development, including organizational development, education policy, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and computer-based learning. He has been a teacher in both Middle and High Schools. Since 1992, he has helped to design and establish more than 20 charter schools across the country, including a charter school based on the ideas of emotional intelligence and a virtual charter school for distance learning.

Andrew Sparks, Ph.D..    Senior Research Associate

Dr. Sparks is a Senior Research Associate at FRONTIER21. He is an expert in charter school policy and governance, and has a wide range of experience in applied education research. Dr. Sparks earned his Ph.D. from The University of Pennsylvania in Education Policy, a Master's Degree from Boston University in Education Policy, Practice and Administration, and a Bachelor's Degree from Tufts University in Early Childhood Education. He earned the winning entry in the Wharton Business Plan competition in 2002.

Erin Hennessy, M.S.    Research Assistant

Ms. Hennessy is a Research Assistant at FRONTIER21. She earned a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in Reading, Writing and Literacy. Ms. Hennessy earned her B.A. in Art from Randolph Macon Woman's College. She is an experienced middle grades teacher, with expertise in teaching methods and curriculum development.  She is a Pennsylvania Certified Teacher in Elementary Education and is a Pennsylvania Certified Reading Instructor, K-12.