René-Simone Martin

Research Assistant, Center for Economic Development
Levin College of Public Affairs and Education
Cleveland State University

Office Location: UR26A 
Email: j.m.evans56@csuohio.edu

René-Simone Martin (They/Them) is a Research Assistant at Cleveland State University’s Center for Economic Development, where they specialize in GIS, policy analysis, and program evaluation. Their research integrates geospatial and qualitative methods to support nonprofit and public-sector clients working in workforce development, transportation, and regional governance.

René earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies from the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, where they were awarded the Campbell-Steinbacher Fellowship. Through the fellowship, they supported Dr. Meghan Rubado’s research on interlocal collaboration in legacy city regions. René is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration and serves as a board member of the American Planning Association student chapter and as a representative to the College of Graduate Studies Advisory Board.

Before joining Levin, René worked in the labor movement and on electoral campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. They continue their commitment to public service and civic engagement through their work with CSU staff as a rank-and-file leader in SEIU Local 1 and through ongoing partnerships with community organizations throughout Greater Cleveland.