Thomas Lerche is an empirical educational researcher and data analyst with a strong track record in quantitative methods, assessment design, and research software development. Since June 2013, he has served as Academic Senior Counsellor (Akademischer Oberrat) at the Institute for School and Educational Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). His work focuses on data-driven evaluation, linear forecasting models, and competency-oriented assessment, including the construction and psychometric analysis of multiple-choice instruments. Across projects, he is typically responsible for the computational and statistical core: data preparation, modeling, empirical analyses, and the implementation of reproducible workflows.

Thomas combines methodological expertise with substantial technical training and hands-on development experience. He completed additional university coursework in software development (including C, Java, and web scripting) and Unix/Linux administration, and has been involved in the planning and development of learning and assessment software as well as the modeling of user behavior in web-based learning environments. Earlier roles include research and teaching positions at the University of Regensburg and LMU Munich, leadership of an educational technology development team, academic appointments in school education, and responsibility for research & development in an applied training context.

His scholarly output includes three monographs/edited volumes, eighteen book chapters, and nineteen peer-reviewed articles and proceedings contributions. Publications include work on log data analytics in learning management systems, equity and engagement in online small-group learning, and technology acceptance across cultures. Alongside academic publishing, Thomas contributes to science communication through an audio format produced under a non-identifying setup (no public linkage), with a focus on data-informed research, including on the subject of climate.