Aisha Najera Chesler

Photo of Aisha Najera Chesler
Mathematician
Santa Monica Office

Education

Ph.D. in mathematics, Claremont Graduate University

Overview

Aisha Najera Chesler is a mathematician at the RAND Corporation. Her research has addressed various areas such as supply chain management, impacts of emerging technologies, national security and violence against women. She is interested in embedding diverse perspectives into data science practices and uses mathematical models, algorithms, data analysis and artificial intelligence to provide insights that inform strategic decisions, improve data quality and manage risks.

Among her many outreach activities, Najera Chesler co-organized a multidisciplinary workshop in mathematics and public policy which resulted in a publication of a Springer book. The workshop, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, brought together women from industry and academia to collaborate on pressing policy issues including climate change and cybersecurity.

Prior to joining RAND, Najera Chesler was a consultant for IBM Global Business Services, where she worked on software implementations and strategic business opportunities for some of IBM’s largest global clients.

She holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Claremont Graduate University. She also has an M.S. from the University of Arizona and a B.S. from the National University of Mexico, both in mathematics.

Research Focus

Honors & Awards

  • RAND Spotlight award

Languages

Spanish

Commentary

  • Christina Bojorquez and Kimberly Decoursey pitch a tent in their encampment next to a freeway in Los Angeles, California, October 14, 2019, photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

    Unaccompanied Women Become an Official Homeless Subpopulation in LA County

    Unaccompanied homeless women are more likely than other subgroups to be chronically homeless, to have mental illness, and to have work limitations. Los Angeles County is now recognizing these women as a subgroup in the official homeless count. An assessment will also be conducted to identify this group's unique needs.

    Nov 23, 2020 The RAND Blog

  • A woman peeks through a blind in a window, photo by lathuric/Getty Images

    After COVID-19: Prevent Homelessness Among Survivors of Domestic Abuse

    Without assistance, domestic violence survivors are more likely to be forced into homelessness. Now could be the time to invest in programs that help victims—before a second wave of COVID-19 cases pushes more families into unsafe environments.

    Jul 2, 2020 The RAND Blog

Publications