Research
Focus & background
Dissertation Research
My dissertation examines what drives success on nonprofit boards. Influenced by the work of Amy Chua, it identifies the traits and practices that distinguish high-performing boards.
Expected completion 2028.
Background & Current Fellowship
My academic areas are nonprofit governance, legislative analysis, and organizational leadership, each across nonprofit and government entities.
I am currently an NPA Fellow in Policy and Practice with Nonprofit Austin.
Recent academic papers
In Progress
Davis, J. L. (In Progress). What Drives Success for Nonprofits in America? A National Framework.Vanderbilt University, Peabody College of Education and Human Development.
2026
Davis, J. L. (2026). Leadership at the Margins: How Black Community-Based Doulas Navigate and Resist Institutionalized Power in Maternal Healthcare.Vanderbilt University, Peabody College of Education and Human Development.
2025
Davis, J. L. (2025). Validating AI Transcription in Legislative Settings: A Quantitative Policy Framework Using TF-IDF Similarity Analysis.University of Texas at Austin, LBJ School of Public Affairs.