Elena Prats Porcar

Dr. Elena Prats is from Barcelona, where she earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education (specialization in music) in 2003. She also holds a Ph.D. in Education from the National University of Ireland and a M.A. in International Educational Development from Columbia University. 

Elena lived in Ireland for over a decade, where she was a lecturer in education at Mary Immaculate College and Maynooth University. She later moved to Japan and was a Coordinator in the Department of Hispanic Studies at Kyoto University. Elena’s personal and professional interest focuses on qualitative and quantitative educational research analysis to find ways to make opportunities more equitable to all students. She has obtained research funding from several government agencies to work on education projects and, before joining BART, she worked as an education researcher and consultant in New York City. 

Elena loves discovering new trails and lakes with her puppy, Ciara. She also enjoys playing the piano.