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With a research focus on evaluating programs and policies that support children and families, Gayane A. Baziyants is interested in understanding not just whether policies work, but how and why they succeed in practice. In this Q&A, Baziyants, a joint-degree PhD candidate in Public Policy and Psychology & Neuroscience, discusses what led her to pursue a PhD at Duke, her research, and her goal to expand the field of knowledge in child and family policy to better inform strategies for supporting families and communities.
Five Questions with Gayane
Why did you choose Sanford’s PhD program?
I was drawn to the Duke Sanford PhD program because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary training, which aligned perfectly with my goal of conducting research that bridged psychology and policy. The program’s culture of mentorship and collaboration was particularly appealing, as I value working closely with faculty and peers to refine my research and translate findings into real-world outcomes. I also appreciated the tailored nature of the program, which allows students to shape their course of study around their specific research interests and career goals. Finally, the opportunity to engage with the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy and the North Carolina Education Data Research Center provided me invaluable access to rich datasets and applied research experiences, supporting my focus on evaluating interventions that improve outcomes for children and families.
Why are you pursuing a PhD in public policy?
My path to a PhD in public policy was driven by a desire to expand the field of knowledge in child and family policy, a sector I am deeply passionate about. After years in the research field, I gained a breadth of experience, eventually hitting a ceiling in what I could accomplish with a bachelor’s degree. I wanted the autonomy to ask my own research questions and the technical toolkit to carry out rigorous studies that haven't been done before. While I was well-versed in general research methods, I wanted to deepen my expertise in causal inference and policy evaluation. I was particularly drawn to mastering field-based studies, longitudinal datasets, and interdisciplinary methodologies that I could apply toward the complexities of policymaking and implementation. A PhD in public policy was the most exciting and necessary avenue to becoming an independent researcher.
What are your current research interests?
My current research interests focus on evaluating programs and policies that support children and families, particularly in areas of child maltreatment prevention, parent mental health, and developmental monitoring. I am especially interested in understanding not just whether policies or interventions work, but how and why they work. I chose this area of focus because of the critical need to support children and families today. Timely access to needed supports and services can promote long-term well-being for children, families, and communities.
What are the potential impacts of your research?
The impact of my research will be to ensure that all families have timely, equitable access to the supports and services that they need to promote optimal child development. I hope my research can inform policy decisions, improve service delivery, and ultimately enhance child and family well-being at both individual and population levels. In the long term, my research seeks to create actionable knowledge that helps communities, policymakers, and practitioners implement programs that foster positive developmental outcomes for all children and families.
What are your post-Duke PhD career aspirations?
After completing my PhD at Duke, I aspire to pursue a career where I can generate and apply rigorous evidence to improve programs and policies that support children and families. Whether in academia, a research-focused policy institute, or industry, I aim to use my expertise in causal inference, interdisciplinary methods, and data-driven evaluation to inform decision-making and promote better outcomes for communities.