About Us
Research with purpose, results with impact
At JRT Research & Consulting, we combine economic expertise with a human‑centered approach to help organizations drive meaningful change.
Our story
As an economist, Julie Trivitt has always been passionate about improving our economy so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Through years of research, she discovered that isolated policy changes rarely create lasting results — real progress happens when data, people and policy work together.
Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, JRT Research & Consulting proudly serves organizations across the region, providing economic research to help organizations build support for public policy.
“We believe research should connect data with human experience to inspire action and lasting change.”
Meet the research team
With decades of experience, Julie Trivitt leads all research projects, bringing in associates as needed to provide expertise.
Julie Trivitt, PhD
Economist & Founder
Julie is a quantitative research economist who cares deeply about the social issues that shape income mobility and economic opportunity.
She's passionate about using data to drive meaningful, community-centered policy decisions.
Role: leads all research projects at JRT.
Project-Based Collaborators
Abel Embaye
Economist & Research Associate
Abel is an economics professor with deep expertise in labor markets and healthcare policy.
He’s known for his sharp quantitative skills and thoughtful, research-driven approach to complex policy issues.
Role: Occasional research collaborator.
Elyria Kemp
Professor & Research Partner
Elyria is a marketing scholar whose work explores emotions, consumer decision-making, healthcare, and the arts.
She holds endowed professorships at the University of New Orleans and has published widely in leading journals.
Role: Occasional research collaborator.
Jenn Ash
Education Strategist
Jennifer W. Ash, Ph.D., helps educators and policymakers turn data into action. She led the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks at Harvard, guiding 100+ districts in using evidence to improve outcomes.
Previously, she conducted research at Abt Associates and the University of Arkansas, where she earned her Ph.D. in education policy.
Role: Frequent research collaborator.
Lisa Pierce
Research Associate
Lisa brings years of experience in marketing research and statistics, with a special talent for leading focus groups and making sense of qualitative data.
She's all about finding the stories behind the numbers.
Role: Frequent research collaborator.
Sarah Larson
Research Associate
Sarah is a social science researcher with a big-picture mindset and a heart for global education.
Her work bridges academic partnerships, workforce development, and innovative cross-sector solutions.
Role: Frequent research collaborator.
Economics Consulting in Fayetteville, AR