Current Students
One of the key factors that determines the quality of one's educational experience in a doctoral program is the caliber of one's classmates. To give prospective applicants a sense of who they would be learning alongside, the following is a list of the talented individuals who have joined the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Evaluation to date. Students from consecutive cohorts take the Interdisciplinary Seminar in Evaluation (EVAL 6010) together and also work with each other on real-world evaluation contracts.
Mohammed Alyami
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- Master's in Human Resource Development, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan USA, (2008)
- Post Graduate High Diploma at Marketing Management, Public Administration Institute, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (2002)
- Bachelor's in Business Administration, King Saud University, Qaseem, Saudi Arabia, (1999)
Evaluation experience
Areas of interest
- Human Resources Development
- Personnel Evaluation
Strengths
- Project Management
- Needs Assessment
Ezechukwu Awgu
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2007/08
Education
- Master's in Public Administration and Management, WMU (2006)
- Master's in Science ( Economics), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria (1994)
- Bachelor's in Science (Economics/Education), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria (1991)
Evaluation experience
Areas of interest
- Health Care Management and Administration
- Application of Cost Analysis in Health Care Programs
Strengths
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Microsoft Office
- Database management
- SAS
Stacy Berkshire
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 200/0
Education
- MA Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology (HRD focus), WMU
- BA Interdisciplinary Communications, Aquinas College
Evaluation experience
- Human Performance Evaluations
- Organizational Performance Evaluations
- Quality Systems Evaluations
- Lean Six-Sigma Evaluation
Areas of interest
- Organizational Development in global settings
- Value differences in various cultural contexts
- Cost analysis in evaluations (focus on measuring cost avoidance)
- Building evaluator competencies in project management lifecycle
- Side-effects in scorecards and audits
- Unintended effects of evaluation criteria
Strengths
- Process thinking and orientation
- Strategy building and planning
- Cultural understanding and sensitivity
- Project Management and Project Portfolio Management
- Organizational Development
- Lean Six-Sigma methodology and tools
- Program execution and delivery
Anne Cullen
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2007/08
Education
- Master's of Science, Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University (2005)
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, French Language & Civilization, New York University (1997)
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of The Rapides Foundation Systemic Initiative in Education
- Evaluation of Delaware Charter Schools
Areas of interest
- Monitoring
- Evaluation capacity building
Strengths
- Project management
- Data management
Tala Davidson
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- M.S. in Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs, Temple University (2008)
- B.A. in Biology, Kalamazoo College (1975)
Evaluation experience
- Business processes analysis and improvement
- Regulatory compliance auditing and assessments
Areas of interest
- Quality systems
- Operations / business processes
- Evaluation theory and methodology
Strengths
- Project management
- Technical and business writing
- Ability to work with diverse groups
- Connection and pattern identification
- Broad knowledge of many business areas
- Ability to convey complex ideas in simple ways
Stephanie Evergreen
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- Master's of Arts, WMU (2005)
- Bachelor of Arts, WMU (2003)
Evaluation experience
- Project Director, Literacy Center of West Michigan
- Project Director, Diversity Awareness and Leadership Training
- Project Manager, Grand Rapids Youth Master Plan
- Project Manager, Muskegon County Jail Diversion Pilot Project
- Project Manager, Integrated Health Chronic Care Model
- Research Associate, Advanced Technological Education Evaluation Resource Center
- Consultant, Latino-Hispanic Community Project
- Field Team Member, Heifer International
- Project Manager, Profiles of For-Profit Educational Management Organizations
- Qualitative analyst, Kamehameha Schools
- Project Manager, Kalamazoo Promise
- Qualitative consultant, Rapides Foundation
- Reviewer, Human Subjects Institutional Review Board
- Host, Evaluation Cafe
Areas of interest
- Program Evaluation
- Community Quality of Life
- Evaluation Methods
- Cultural Competency in Evaluation
Strengths
- Qualitative Methods
- Project Management
- Report Writing and Dissemination
Jan K. Fields
, EdD, RRT, AE-C, NMT-CPh.D. Student
Start year: 200/0
Education
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (1980)
- BS, Health Sciences, WMU (1984)
- Masters in Management, Aquinas College (1988)
- EdD, Educational Leadership, WMU (1996)
- Certified Asthma Educator (2000)
- Certified Neuromuscular Therapist (2002)
Evaluation experience
- SSEOP Coordinator, Muskegon Community College
- Co-Chair, Continuing Professional Development, Michigan Society for Respiratory Care
- Research Chair, Asthma Network of West Michigan
Areas of interest
- Health care
- Education
- Faith-based development industry
Strengths
- Education evaluation
- Critical thinking training
- Competency assessment
P. Cristian Gugiu
Ph.D. Candidate
Start year: 2003/04
Education
- M.A. in Clinical and Community Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1999)
- B.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan (1995)
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of the Families and Mentors Invested in the Lives of Youth (FA.M.I.L.Y.) Program
- Evaluation of an international community college
- Metaevaluation of five evaluation reports/li>
- Evaluation of the No Disposable Kids Program
- Evaluation of the Parent Connect Program
- Council of Graduate Schools Completion Project
- Doctoral Student Profiles
- Technical Assistance on Program Evaluation for Adoption Opportunities Program and Child Abuse and Neglect Grantees
- Development of the Annual Report to Congress on the Performance of States in Achieving the Child Welfare Outcome Measures
- HIV/AIDS Treatment Adherence, Health Outcomes and Cost Study
- National Evaluation of the Regional Primate Research Centers
- Investigation of the Impact of Maternal Socialization of Coping on Childhood Psychopathology
- Evaluation of the Welfare to Work Program
Areas of interest
- Summative confidence
- Evaluation-specific methodology
- Evaluation theory/models
Strengths
- Methodology
- Analysis
Amy M. Gullickson
Ph.D. Student
Dissertation title: Assessing the Evaluative Orientation of Organizations
Start year: 2005/06
Education
- Master in Divinity, Luther Seminary (2001)
- B.A in English, University of South Dakota (1993)
Evaluation experience
- Faith Factors study, Luther Seminary 2000-2002
- Exemplary Youth Ministry study, Luther Seminary 2002-2004
- Gilmore Education for the Arts Evaluation, 2006
- TriCorridor Center of Excellence for Simulation Research, 2006-2008
- Center for Creative Leadership Needs Assessment and Evaluation Use study, 2007
- Heifer International Impact Evaluation
- Field team member, Thailand, 2006
- Workshop facilitator, Thailand 2006
- Field team member, China 2007
- Field team leader, Vietnam 2008
Areas of interest
- Systems evaluation
- Shared language and understandings in organizations
- Evaluation of training needs and interventions
- Organizational use of evaluation
- Change management/leadership
Strengths
- Qualitative research
- Project management
- Systems analysis
- Quantitative analysis
- Organizational change
Publications
Gullickson, A.M. (2006). Review of Practical Assessment, Research, & Evaluation, Volume 10. Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, Vol 3, No 4
Gullickson, A.M. (2008). Systems Concepts in Evaluation (Review). Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, Vol 5, No 9
Otto Gustafson
Ph.D. Candidate
Dissertation Title: Evaluation of Change Management
Start year: 2005/06
Education
- M.B.A. in Management, Western Michigan University (2005)
- Senior Reactor Operator License, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (2003)
- B.S.A.S.T. in Nuclear Engineering Technology, Thomas Edison State College (2001)
Evaluation experience
- Heifer 2007 (Cameroon)
- Heifer 2006 (home office support)
- Research assistance for Successful Schools for Hawaiians (2007)
- Numerous program evaluations within U.S. Commercial Nuclear Power industry
- Goal-Free Evaluation of a direct care worker training program in Alzheimer's care (2006)
Areas of interest
- Evaluation of organizational change interventions
- Evaluation of innovation
- Improving business and industry's use of evaluation
- Product evaluation
- Disaster and emergency management evaluation
- International aid/development evaluation
Strengths
- Cost analysis
- Project management
- Problem solving & decision making techniques
- Root cause evaluation
Todd Harcek
Ph.D. Student
Dissertation title: An Evaluative Checklist for Managing Multiple Crises
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- Postgraduate Work, Central Michigan University
- M.S.A., Central Michigan University
- B.A., Michigan State University
Evaluation experience
- State budget and related programs
- Heifer International Learning Center
- Course evaluation projects
Areas of interest
- Public policy
- International relations
- Evaluation theory and research
Strengths
- Practical application of evaluation
- Evaluation and government
- Program and policy evaluation
Sheri Hudachek-Lantz
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- M.B.A., Industrial Relations, University of Iowa (1980)
- B.A., Spanish, University of Iowa (1977)
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of employee selection processes
- Evaluation of compensation programs
- Evaluation of benefit programs
- Performance evaluations
- Employee and customer surveys
- Evaluation of succession planning/talent management programs
- Evaluation of employee recognition/award programs
- Evaluation of HR information systems/applicant tracking/database design
- Evaluation of workflow and workprocess design
- Evaluation of recruiting/staffing programs
Areas of interest
- Business/Organizational development
- Social work
- Healthcare
- Education
Strengths
- Process design
- Project management
Paul Lamphear
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2003/04
Education
- M.B.A. in Finance, Western Michigan University (2001)
- M.S.M. in Management, Cardinal Stritch University (1988)
- B.S. in English, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point (1978)
Evaluation experience
- Self-evaluation of a microeconomic development project in Zambia, 2005
- Evaluation of Business Process Engineering, 1993-present
- Educational Evaluation with ACT, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Washington University
Areas of interest
- International development
- Corporate business process change management
Strengths
- Communication with individuals and groups
- Understanding of business procedures
- Impact assessment
- Writing / Marketing skills
Krystin Martens
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2005/06
Education
- M.A. Physical Education Pedagogy, WMU (2005)
- G.T.C. Graduate Teacher Certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and Physical Education (K-12) , Grand Valley State University (2001)
- B.A. Major: Physical Education, Minor: Business, Hope College (1992)
Evaluation experience
- RCT Evaluation of HealthSmart Curriculum - Project coordinator
- Heifer International Tazania - Evaluation consultant
- Heifer International Albania & Nepal - Report writing support
- Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant - Doctoral associate
- Michigan Physical Education Evaluation (MPEE) - Project coordinator
- Seattle Safe Schools Study - Evaluation technical assistance
- Rhode Island School Nutrition Environment Evaluation - Evaluation technical assistance
- National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Assessment Project - Researcher
- Write the Story of the Birth of the American Evaluation Association - Interviewer
- Kalamazoo Public Schools 2006 Middle School Summer Enrichment Program - Classroom observer
Areas of interest
- Evaluations of school-based health programs
- Evaluations of international development programs
- Evaluations of intervention programs
Strengths
- Logistics of fieldwork in school settings
- Training of data collectors
- Evaluation design
- Stakeholder involvement
Stephanie Means
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- Master of Science, WMU (2004)
- Bachelor of Science, WMU (2000)
Evaluation experience
- Nurse productivity
- Graduate student program admissions
Areas of interest
- Healthcare (nursing), health and human services evaluation and research
- Engineering and personnel management evaluation and research
- Lean systems (operations) & healthcare
Strengths
- HSIRB protocols and issues
- Data collection, analysis, and representation
- Standard operating procedures
- Six Sigma practices
Publications
Means, S. N.; Butt, S.E.; & Fredericks, T.K. “Private Room vs. Open-Ward Design: Effects on Nursing Staff,” Poster Presentation, Proceedings of the 21st Annual Society for Health Systems Conference, Chicago, Illinois, April 1 – 4, 2009
Means, S. N.; Butt, S.E.; Fredericks, T.K. “Standard Operating Procedures for Conducting Random Time Studies,” Proceedings of the Annual International Agile Manufacturing Conference, Kalamazoo, MI, July 16-19, 2008.
Means, S. N.; Butt, S. E.; & Fredericks,T. K. “Charge Nurses’ Decision-Making Process,” Proceedings of the XII Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering-Theory, Application, & Practice, Cancun, Mexico, November 4-7, 2007.
Butt, S. E.; Fredericks, T. K.; Kumar, A.R.; Wahl, J.; Harrelson, K.; Means, S. N.; Dumasius, A.; & Brown, E. “An Evaluation of Physiological Work Demands on Registered Nurses over a 12-Hour Shift,” Proceedings of the XVIII Annual International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Conference (ISOES), Houston, TX, USA, May 19-22, 2004.
Lindsay Noakes
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- Master of Arts in Mathematics, EMU (2004)
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education, WMU (2000)
Evaluation experience
- Project Manager, Literacy Center of West Michigan Family Literacy Program
- Quantitative Analyst, Diversity Awareness and Leadership Training Program
Areas of interest
- Classroom assessment
- Program and curriculum evaluation
- Teacher evaluation
- Mathematics education
- Measurement
Strengths
- Mathematics & Statistics Education (middle school, high school, teacher preparation)
- Gifted Education
- Educational Research
- Quantitative Methods
Brandy Pratt
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2007/08
Education
- Master of Public Administration, American University (2006)
- Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication, Legal Institutions, Economics, Government (CLEG), American University (2003)
Evaluation experience
- Research Associate, Diversity Awareness and Leadership Training
- Research Associate, Grand Rapids Youth Master Plan
- Science Policy Associate, Human Subjects on the Internet, American Association for the Advancement of Science
Areas of interest
- Public Policy Evaluation
- Program evaluation
- Youth development
Strengths
- Program Development & Management
- Coalition Building
- Critical Analysis
Publications
Pratt, H.; Pratt, B.; Sackett, M. Youth Survival: Addressing the Role of Promoting the Acquisition of the Prosocial Triad (Empathy, Sympathy, Compassion) and Self Control (Monitoring, Management, Organization, Restraint) Skills in Youth. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. Elsevier. Cambridge, MA. 2007
Contributing Editor, Professional Ethics Report, vol. XVI n. I, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC
Kristin Kaylor Richardson
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2005/06
Education
- Master of Social Work, Major: Evaluation; Minor: Interpersonal Practice with Children and Families, University of Michigan (1998)
- Bachelor of Arts, Human Resources Administration, Concordia University (1993)
Evaluation experience
- U.S/Brazil Educational Exchange Program Evaluation, evaluation team member, WSU
- Reclaiming the Village: A Dialogue on the African American Family, project evaluation team member, WSU
- Center for Evaluation and Organizational Learning, Director, The Children's Center
- Child Welfare Training and Evaluation Project, P.I. and Director
- Interdisciplinary Research Consortium, WSU, grant writer
- Child and Family Study Group, WSU, research assistant
Areas of interest
- Evaluation of social service programs and policies
- Evaluation capacity building within health and mental health service delivery systems for children and families
- Evaluation of community supports and services, national and international
Strengths
- Grant writing
- Evaluation/Research design
- Project coordination
- Report writing
- Problem solving in the face of data collection challenges
Margaret Richardson
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- Master of Social Work, Western Michigan University (2006)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Indiana University (1986)
Evaluation experience
- Proposal for Head Start Pedagogy Evaluation 2007
- Associate editor of Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation, January 2008
Areas of interest
- Child Welfare - government and private domains
- Early childhood education
- Mental health systems
Strengths
- Analytical writing
- Qualitative data collection methodologies
Publications
Black-Pond, C.; Henry, J., Richardson, M.; and Sloane, M. Multiple Types of Maltreatment: Behavioral and Developmental Impact on Children in the Child Welfare System, Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, December, 2008.
Amanda Robertson
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- M.A. in African Studies, Yale University (2004)
- B.A. in Psychology, Baylor University (2002)
Evaluation experience
- Field team member, Heifer International Impact Evaluation, Ghana, 2008
- Field team member, Heifer International Learning Centers Evaluation, U.S., 2007
Areas of interest
- Program Evaluation
- International Development
- Cultural Competency in Evaluation
- Evaluation Capacity Building within Non-Profits
Strengths
- Project Management
- Report Writing
- Cultural Competency
- Critical Thinking
Kelly Robertson
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- B.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan (2005)
- M.A. in International Development Administration, WMU (2008)
Evaluation experience
- Project Mentoring Program, YWCA of Kalamazoo, 2008-Project Coordinator
Areas of interest
- International Development
- Program Evaluation
- Cultural Competency in Evaluation
- Evaluation of Nonprofits/Human Service Organizations
- Cost/Benefit Analysis
Strengths
- International Development
- Cultural Competency
- Critical Thinking
- Report/Grant Writing
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
Emily Rusieki
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certification Program, Secondary Mathematics, Millersville University (2003)
- Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, Franklin & Marshall College (1997)
Evaluation experience
- Research Assistant, Literacy Center of West Michigan
Areas of interest
- Secondary mathematics education evaluation and research
- Use of classroom assessments to raise student achievement
Strengths
- Secondary mathematics education
- Tax-exempt debt structuring and investment
Fayez Shafloot
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- Master's of Arts, Human Resource Development, Western Michigan University (2008)
- Post Graduate High Diploma at Marketing Management, Institute of Public Administration, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2002)
- Bachelor in Political Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia (1998)
Evaluation experience
- Marketing Campaign Evaluation
- Organization Performance Evaluation
- Human resources
Areas of interest
- Resource analysis
- Career development
- Human resource development
- Program and training evaluation
- Quality system improvement
- Nanotechnology side effects
Strengths
- Human resources development and personnel evaluation
- Needs assessment
- Data Analysis
- Business Development
Tererai Trent
Ph.D. Student
Dissertation title: Toward an Integral Systematic Evaluation Approach in the Face of HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries
Start year: 2007/08
Education
- M.S in Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University
- B.S in Agricultural Education, Oklahoma State University
- Diploma in Horticulture, Harare Polytechnic, Zimbabwe
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation Consultant (using PRA), FAO GCP/RAF/2297/ITA- Communication for Development in Southern Africa Action Program for Communication Development. Engaged as a participatory Rural Communication Appraiser (PRCA); provided training to participants from Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
- Accompanied and monitored course participants from Zambia University to conduct evaluation research on an FAO-funded Food Security Program.
- Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) refugee consultant for Southern Alliance for Indigenous Resources (SAFIRE), Southern Africa, provided technical assistance in assessing the appropriateness of permaculture to a refugee center. Findings have been disseminated to refugee support agencies worldwide.
- Evaluation consultant, OXFAM/TARSC- Zimbabwe: Health and Education Advocacy Program.
- Trained evaluation research assistance in PRA tools and techniques and worked with the team to conduct evaluation on health & issues (Health and Education Research Advocacy Project).
- Baseline survey consultant, Tropical Biology and Fertility Program ( Nairobi) Facilitated during a baseline Survey by Tropical Biology and Fertility Program ( Nairobi). PRA consultant, Save the Children (USA).
- Evaluation consultant, Natural Resource Institute (NRI), UK, University of Greenwich. Conducted an evaluation (using PRA) on environmental, social and economic issues pertaining to Zimbabwe.
- Evaluation team supervisor, Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe/GTZ District Social Forestry, Participatory Rapid Appraisal District Coordinator. Responsible for developing PRA tools and village report writing for 5 villages.
- PRA consultant, Action AID/Zimbabwe Aids Network. Provided PRA training to 60 health workers in Matabeleland and Mashonaland, Zimbabwe.
- Revolving loan fund consultant, Abandoned Babies and Children (ABC).
- Provided a group guaranteed revolving loan fund training for the organization’s field officers and women involved in income generating projects.
- Provided technical assistance in assessing the training needs of participating communities.
- Sorghum Landrace study-facilitated fieldwork and planning of human resource development- Rockefeller foundation supported program.
- Heifer International: Currently employed as a Monitoring & Evaluation Deputy Director and responsible for:
- Worldwide impact evaluation on sustainable development in different countries
- Integration of Heifer evaluation processes, systems, and tools for the strengthening of Heifer's accountability process
- Facilitating and building capacity of staff in country area programs and other departments to facilitate the implementation of the organizational strategic plan
- Facilitating workshops and trainings for HQ and field-based staff in Heifer-wide accountability process
- Developing monitoring and evaluation resources and tools relevant for the Programs Department
Areas of interest
- Socioeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS in developing countries
- Research & knowledge management - research program management; communication, dissemination and uptake; barriers to knowledge; research methodologies
Strengths
- A consultant trainer in sustainable agriculture and permaculture; i.e., designing a system that creates sustainable human environment while seeking systems that are ecologically sound and economically viable; specialized in use and application of participatory methodologies for field research.
- Performance management - Project cycle management, logical framework, results-based management, monitoring and evaluation; local government & public sector reform
- Sectoral experience - Natural resource management; rural livelihoods; sustainable development; refugees and the environment
- Project design using log frames and GTZ ' ZOPP approach
- Needs assessment & cross-cultural and diversity training
- Participatory rural appraisal
Publications
Trent TB. The bird Cherry-Oat Aphid (Rhopalosiphum Pad) and Barley yellow dwarf virus complex: Separation of aphid and virus effects and control with insecticide seed treatment.
Carter, S.; Chidiamassamba, A.; Jeranyama, P.; Mafukidze, TB.; Malakela, G.; Mvena, Z.; Mudhara, M.; Nabane, N.; Van Oosterhout-Campbell, S.; Price, L.; & Sithole, N. Some observations on wealth ranking after an RRA looking at soil fertility management in Northeastern Zimbabwe.
Nyamanzi TB. Waterfalls Refugee Transit Camp: Natural Pest Management. SAFIRE; 1998. S8.1.SAF/470.SAFIRE/ Permaculture/ Refugees/ Pest management.
Nyamanzi TB. Waterfalls Refugee Transit Camp: Practical Organic Gardening Training Report. ZIM: SAFIRE; 1998. S8.1.SAF/470. SAFIRE/ Permaculture/ Refugees/ Organic farming/ agriculture/ gardening
Nyamanzi TB. Waterfalls Transit Refugee Camp: Report of PRA Field Exercise and Findings. SAFIRE; 1998; ISBN: S8.1.SAF/471. SAFIRE/ Permaculture/ Refugees/ PRA
Ronald Visscher
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- Master's in Marketing, Finance and Accounting Systems (with international focus), Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (1985)
- Bachelor's, Psychology and Business/Economics majors (with international studies), Hope College (1982)
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of East African Tire and Rubber Company subsidiary for Firestone CEO
- Evaluation and development of supply chain management systems for IBM Europe and Africa
- Evaluation and development of market research system for AC Nielsen
- Evaluation and development of retail management (including accounting) systems for varioius retailers
- Evaluation and development of insurance agency management systems for various insurance companies
- Evaluation and development of medical practice management systems for various physicians 'offices
- Evaluation and development of life science research systems for various organizations
- Research and development of new products (goods and services) for various organizations
- Research of nano/bio/info/cogno/socio convergence commercialization with NU Colleagues
- Research and development of curriculum for new product development courses at GVSU
- Evaluation, research, and development of business plans for various entrepreneurial ventures
- Evaluation and advocacy of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures
- Evaluation and development of electronic collaborative innovation systems
Areas of interest
- Network-wide evaluation and management of research, innovation, implementation and impact
- Evaluation and management of cooperative research and technology transfer partnerships
- Full life-cycle impact modeling, prediction, evaluation, and management
- Evaluation and management of international aid and development
- Harmonization of network-wide research, evaluation and management
Strengths
- Working with people, managing diverse perspectives and interests with a systems coaching approach
- Implementing cost and managerial accounting frameworks and systems
- Guiding strategic focus (usually of clients) and helping them manage their portfolios
- Facilitating research and evaluation with electronic tools
- Applying appropriate methods for each research and/or evaluation context
Brad Watts
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- Bachelor's, Business and Economics, WMU
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) for U.S. Dept. of Labor, ETA
- Development of a public works project evaluation tool for the U.S. Economic Development Administration
- Evaluation of local market impacts of the Kalamazoo Promise
- Cost-benefit analysis of the SOURCE program
- Program planning and evaluation assistance for community and economic development efforts throughout Southwest Michigan
Areas of interest
- Policy
- Economics
- Regional economic development and community development evaluation
Strengths
- Quantitative research and analysis
- Econometric and cost-benefit analysis
- Expert on regional and economic data sources
- Writing reports and delivering results to decisionmakers and diverse, nontechnical audiences
Publications
Watts, B. (2008). Understanding Opportunity Costs and the Economist’s View: A Response to Scriven's "The Economist's Fallacy". JMDE, 5(10), 89-92.
Carl Westine
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2008/09
Education
- M.S. in Economics, Carnegie Mellon University (2005)
- B.S. in Mathematics, Bradley University (2003)
- B.S. in Economics, Bradley University (2003)
Evaluation experience
Areas of interest
- Evaluation theory and methodology
- Education
- Mentoring programs
- Healthcare policy
Strengths
- Data management
- Ability to work with diverse groups
Lori Wingate
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2004/05
Education
- M.A. in Sociology, Loyola University, Chicago (1993)
- B.A. in Sociology, Truman State University (1990)
Evaluation experience
- Project manager, evaluation of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Partnership for Science Literacy program
- Research associate, evaluation of Consuelo Foundation's Ke Aka Ho'ona self-help housing program
- Project manager, several regional technology literacy programs (state-funded K-12 programs)
- Research associate/project manager, ATE evaluation
Areas of interest
- Theory, methodology, and practice of evaluation
Strengths
- Project management
- Critical thinking
- Conceptalization of complex tasks
- Writing
Michelle Woodhouse-Jackson
Ph.D. Student
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- M.B.A. Marketing and International Business, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College (2000)
- B.S. Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management, Norfolk State University (1996)
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of a liberal arts college for accreditation
Areas of interest
- Strategic management
- Marketing
- Personnel evaluation
- Program evaluation
- Evaluation of services
Strengths
- Report writing
- Project management
- Developing policies and procedures
- Writing business and strategic plans
- Teaching
Brandon W. Youker
Ph.D. Candidate
Dissertation title: An Analog Study Comparing Goal-Free Evaluation and Goal-Achievement Evaluation Utility
Start year: 2004/05
Education
- M.S. in Social Work (MSSW), Columbia University (2000)
- B.A. in Social Work (BASW), Michigan State University (1999)
- Advanced Clinical Social Work Fellow: Yale Child Study Center (2003-2004)
Evaluation experience
- Professor, Evaluation Capacity Development Evaluation, Western Michigan University School of Social Work
- Heritage Community of Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo Public Schools' Middle School Enrichment Program
- Michigan Public Health Institute
- Western Michigan University School of Social Work research committee member
- Heifer Project International
- Department of Education for Hawaii, Connecticut, and Delaware
- Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Personnel Evaluation
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine
- Development Aid from People to People
Areas of interest
- Social work practice & programming
- Human services evaluation
- Evaluation of art
- International development evaluation
- Educational evaluation
Strengths
- Evaluation theory and logic
- Social work evaluation
- Program evaluation
- Goal-free evaluation
- Qualitative evaluation
Publications
Chianca, T. and Youker, B. W. (2004, October). Evaluation in Latin America and the Caribbean: An overview of recent developments. Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation, 1, 89-101. http://www.evaluation.wmich.edu/jmde/content/JMDE1content/PDFs%20JMDE%20001/11_Evaluation_in_Latin_America_and_the_Caribbean.pdf
Sullins, C. (with Youker, B.). (2006). Review of exploring evaluator role and identity. American Journal of Evaluation, 27(1), 130-133.
Youker, B.W. (2005, March). The Evaluation Exchange--Harvard Family Research Project. Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation, 2, 157-160. http://www.evaluation.wmich.edu/jmde/content/JMDE2content/PDFs%20JMDE%20002/22_The_Evaluation_Exchange.pdf
Youker, B.W. (2005, March). International Association for Impact Assessment. Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation, 2. http://www.evaluation.wmich.edu/jmde/content/JMDE2content/PDFs%20JMDE%20002/15_International_Association_for_Impact_Assessment.pdf
Youker, B. W. (2005, October). Ethnography and evaluation: Their relationship and three anthropological models of evaluation. Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, 3, 113-132. http://www.evaluation.wmich.edu/jmde/content/JMDE003content/PDFs%20JMDE%20003/7_Ethnography_and_Evaluation.pdf
Youker, B.W. (2006, June). Review of the Evaluation Exchange, volume XI(1), XI(2), and XI(3). Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation, 4, 185-187. http://www.evaluation.wmich.edu/jmde/content/JMDE004content/PDFs_JMDE_004/20_Review_of_the_Evaluation_Exchange.pdf
Mina Zadeh
Ph.D. Candidate, ABD
Start year: 2006/07
Education
- M.P.H., International Health/Epidemology, Emory University (1997)
- B.S., Georgia Institute of Technology (1996)
Evaluation experience
- Evaluation of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services programs (Medicare, Medicaid, bioterrorism/public health emergency preparedness), Office of Inspector General, Office of Evaluation and Inspections, 2000-present. Ongoing evaluations include:
- Quarantine Stations
- State and Local Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Medical Countermeasures
- Medicaid Payments for Outpatient Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Services for Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries
- Power Wheelchairs in the Medicare Program: Costs and Services
- Medicare Coverage Criteria for Standard and Complex Rehabilitation Power Wheelchairs
- Assessing Medicare Power Wheelchair Medical Records
- Evaluation of Country Pandemic Influenza Plans and Development of Emergency Preparedness Exercises, Consultant to the World Health Organization, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Sep 2008 to present
- Assessing the performance of public schools in Hawai'i: A comparison of adequate yearly progress and Florida's A+ model. The Evaluation Center, WMU, Kalamazoo, MI
- State of the Community Indicators, The Evaluation Center, WMU, Kalamazoo, MI
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1996-2000. Evaluation/epidemiology projects included:
- Influenza vaccination and antiviral usage in U.S. nursing homes
- Assessing reported cases of Kawasaki syndrome, Reye's syndrome, and Cruetzfeld-Jacob Disease
Areas of interest
- National and international policies/governments
- Health programs
- Critical thinking
Strengths
- Practical experience
- Lead multiple evaluation teams and projects
Publications
HHS/OIG evaluation publications
* Limited release publication
- Comparison of Prices for Power Wheelchairs in Medicare, OEI-04-07-00160.
- Food and Drug Administration’s Generic Drug Approval Process, OEI-04-07-00280.
- South Florida Suppliers’ Compliance with Medicare Standards, OEI-03-07-00150.
- Compliance with Medicare Enrollment Requirements, OEI-04-05-00380.
- Edits for Processing Medicaid Pediatric Dental Claims," OEI-04-05-00150.
- Medicaid Pediatric Dental Payments in Five States, OEI-04-04-00210.
- State reports on Medicaid Pediatric Dental Payments, OEI-04-00211 through 00215.*
- Early Implementation of the CHEMPACK Project, OEI-04-05-00040.*
- State 24/7 Urgent Disease Reporting Systems, OEI-04-03-00540.*
- Emergency Department Staffing Groups in Medicare, OEI-04-01-00080.*