An alumnus of the University of Iowa, Tristan Schmidt received their undergraduate degree in African American Studies with a Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence in May 2019. Tristan also completed their Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs while working with the TRIO Upward Bound program. Tristan is working towards a Certificate in Quantitative Research Methods from Indiana University. Tristan is passionate and interested in evaluation, assessment, and modeling with DEI data, educational equity, college access and success, and educational and social policy.

Tristan has a range of experience, from disability advocacy/respite work at the Arc of East Central Iowa to data management and analysis as a Data & Admin Coordinator with the Tippie College of Business. They enjoy reading, serving as an area officer for their fraternity, watching movies with their cat, and traveling to different cities and communities.