Shai Fuxman, an education and mental health expert and principal research scientist, leads large-scale initiatives focused on strengthening K–12 education systems to improve student outcomes. He has extensive experience in multi-tiered systems of support, adolescent health and development, and school-based mental and behavioral health. His work focuses on supporting school districts and state agencies in designing, implementing, and sustaining coherent systems that integrate academic, behavioral, and wellness supports. He also has expertise in program evaluation and quantitative and qualitative research.

Shai leads statewide and cross-agency initiatives that help schools, districts, and state partners build and sustain systems that improve student outcomes. He led the development of Massachusetts’ Birth-to-Higher Education Mental and Behavioral Health Framework and the Massachusetts Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Academy. He develops practical tools and strategies—such as statewide needs assessments and data use approaches—and advises education leaders on aligning implementation, data, and continuous improvement.

Shai is an experienced public speaker, presenter, trainer, coach, and systems change consultant. His recent work has focused on the relationship between young people’s use of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, and their mental health and development, as well as helping educators respond effectively to these shifts. His work has been featured by outlets including Newsweek, Parade, The Hill, and Edutopia, among others.

Shai holds an EdD and MEd in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University. He is fluent in Spanish, Hebrew, and English.