Biography
Dr. Maria Ilcheva, Ph.D., is Research Associate Professor at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs and the Assistant Director of the Jorgé M. Perez Metropolitan Center, an applied social science research institute at FIU. As a research practitioner and educator, Dr. Ilcheva combines understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of policies and practices, with the practical, actionable strategies that are crafted to address observed challenges, gaps and perceptions.
Dr. Ilcheva has 15+ years of experience working on various economic development, social and behavioral projects. She serves as subject matter expert in data analytics, designing and applying advanced research methodologies for demographic, economic, statistical and GIS analysis.
Her work includes an array of evidence-based studies and policy work, focused on issues including community needs assessments and service gaps, gender and racial equity and disparity, housing affordability, reapportionment/redistricting, program evaluation, business and economic development, climate and hurricane resilience and others.
Dr. Ilcheva is a board member of The Miami-Dade Women’s Fund, a member of the United Way’s ALICE Research Advisory Committee for Florida, and a member of the inaugural cohort of the Aspen Latino City Learning & Action Lab.
Dr. Ilcheva obtained her doctorate from the FIU Politics and International Relations Department.