We’re happy to introduce Katie Bass as our new Data and Policy Research Advisor. Prior to joining First Five Nebraska, Katie worked to improve outcomes for Nebraska children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. In her most recent role as research director for the Foster Care Review Office, she oversaw data collection efforts, analyzed available data and made recommendations to the Legislature and Nebraska stakeholders for system improvement based on the results.
She has a passion for making data accessible and engaging for all, making complex research clear, relatable and applicable to policymakers by utilizing skills she gained at UNL and as a member of the Eastern Illinois University faculty. Katie was an assistant professor at EIU for six years, teaching courses in sociology and criminology before returning to Lincoln in 2015.
Worked in child welfare, juvenile justice
Katie’s work in child welfare and juvenile justice lead to an interest in early childhood and the strong influence experiences during the earliest years have on a child’s entire life. “Early childhood policies that are proactive instead of reactive help all Nebraska children, especially those most at risk,” she said.
When Katie met her husband, Dave, more than 13 years ago, she gained a bonus daughter Brittany, now 29. Together, Katie and Dave have two children, daughter Parker, age 9, and son Reece, age 3.
Katie is a McCook native who received an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a B.A. from Hastings College.
