Alyssa I. Agard
Chairman & President of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer
Alyssa is the founder of Agard Research Associates and serves as Chairman and President of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, providing executive leadership across strategic planning, research development, governance, and external partnerships. As a policy-focused researcher with a foundation in behavioral science and history, she sets the organization's research agenda and oversees its translation into accessible, actionable scholarship for professionals, policymakers, and the public. Alyssa brings proficiency in multiple programming languages, including Python, ArcGIS, and STATA, alongside hands-on experience in special education, mental health, policy analysis, and systems-level advocacy. Her advanced training in public policy with a concentration in foreign affairs and defense policy informs her interdisciplinary approach to institutional research. Her vision centers on integrating neuroscience with real-world interventions to promote ethical, inclusive, and sustainable institutional practices.
Frederick Brutto Jr.
Secretary of the Board of Directors & Strategy Consultant
Freddie serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors and Strategy Consultant at Agard Research Associates. In these roles, he maintains accurate organizational records and financial documentation while providing guidance on compliance, governance, and strategic engagement. With a background in business analysis and finance, Freddie advises leadership on operational efficiency, risk management, and resource allocation to support sustainable growth. He ensures the organization adheres to ethical standards and aligns its operations with regulatory frameworks. His expertise strengthens organizational infrastructure, enhances board governance, and supports the long-term sustainability and impact of Agard Research Associates.
Pratham Kumar
Board Director & Research Specialist
Pratham serves as Board Director, Director of Social Sciences, and Research Specialist at Agard Research Associates. He brings a strong academic foundation in sociology, criminal justice, and applied social research, with particular focus on institutional analysis, educational policy, and social determinants of opportunity. His research interests include migration, inequality, identity formation, and the intersection of social structures with public policy. Pratham contributes analytical skills in Python and data interpretation to support research-informed decision-making, and his fluency in Hindi and Punjabi strengthens the organization's capacity to engage diverse and immigrant communities. His commitment to equity-focused, evidence-based policymaking advances the organization's mission of producing accessible scholarship with meaningful public impact.
Shruthi Nandakumar
Board Director, Director of Behavioral Sciences, Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Shruthi serves as Board Director, Director of Behavioral Sciences, and Data Protection Officer at Agard Research Associates. In these roles, she oversees interdisciplinary research design and development while ensuring organizational compliance with data privacy standards and ethical research practices. She brings expertise in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, contributing scientific rigor and methodological innovation to the organization's research initiatives. Her leadership supports the organization's goal of producing translational research that informs both clinical understanding and social application, particularly in areas related to resilience, cognition, and mental health. Shruthi's work strengthens the organization's capacity to bridge behavioral science and evidence-based policy.