Marc Hernandez is Associate Director of The Bridge at NORC, a program that connects NORC researchers with those at top-tier schools and serves as a bridge between researchers and on-the-ground practitioners. An applied developmental psychologist, Hernandez has expertise in cognitive development and early childhood and elementary education. He is a member of the Getting on Track Early for School Success project, leads the Kindergatrten Readiness Indicator (KRI) project, co-principal investigator of NORC's independent evaluation of the Oakland Promise, and works closely with foundations such as the Kenneth Rainin Foundation in Oakland, CA.

Hernandez earned his PhD from the Department of Psychology in 2009, his MA from MAPSS in 2002, and his BA from The College in 2000.

Alumni of the Division of the Social Sciences are characterized by Chicago’s deep commitment to scientific analysis, methodological innovation, and the use of theory to extend the explanatory and predictive power of social research. Whether an MA or PhD graduate (or both), each takes those values into careers in the academy and in a broad range of sectors including banking and finance, technology, and social technology, consulting and market research, health fields, and government/policymaking, among others.

SSD’s Dialogo podcast brings alumni into conversation with Paul Poast, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Deputy Dean for Doctoral Education, and Kelly Pollock, Dean of Students. Each season will feature alumni with careers in a particular field or industry.