Drew McGee, Consulting Research Scientist
Connect with Drew if you’re ready to turn research into real-world impact or need book recommendations.
Drew is a developmental psychologist and policy strategist focused on strengthening early childhood systems through equity-driven solutions. He has worked across preschools, research institutes, nonprofits, and government to translate developmental science into actionable policy and practice. Drew’s research portfolio investigates how early life adversity shapes social-emotional development inchildren, caregivers, and the early childhood workforce.
Drew has served as a Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) policy fellow at both the state level (Colorado Department of Early Childhood) and the federal level (Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation). Across these roles, he contributed to initiatives on workforce well-being, social-emotional supports, and child care financing, bringing a systems lens to the translation of science into solutions for underserved communities.
He is a systems-thinker, bridge-builder, and everyday optimist.
Grounded by his early work as a preschool teacher in Salt Lake City and New York City, Drew combines lived practice experience with rigorous research and policy expertise. He has authored peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and presented at leading national and international conferences. When he’s not at work, Drew can be found running, reading a good book, competing in board games with friends, or exploring creativity through watercolor and sketching. He believes the strongest early childhood systems are built by investing in both children and the adults who care for them.