About

For over 20 years I have worked closely with collaborators from civic, community, and academic settings. I often co-create projects with collaborators and take on roles—external evaluation, research director, data visualization—according to the needs of the unique partnerships. Many collaborations have extended and expanded over years of working together.

 

I received an MA from Stanford University in Learning, Design, and Technology and use methods grounded in the learning sciences. I approach evaluation as a participatory and systems-oriented process, continually learning from the projects, partners, community leaders, and young people I work with.

Methods include:

• Data strategy. Identifying existing data sources and determining what new data to collect.

• Surveys. Designing and analyzing large-scale surveys to uncover patterns and trends.

• Qualitative inquiry. Conducting interviews and focus groups to explore deeper perspectives and illuminate patterns.

• Contextual inquiry. Observing environments, artifacts, and interactions to deepen understanding.

• Spatial & visual analysis. Using GIS maps, charts, and network diagrams to represent data in ways that surface insights and guide conversations.

• Collaborative sense-making. Engaging partners in codesign, data interpretation, and strategic discussions.

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I co-authored a book about the Chicago Digital Youth Network in 2014 and have published work in various academic and practitioner-focused journals. I also organize sessions for groups to consider data and evaluation in ways that advance new understanding and continuous improvement—and as an enjoyable and collaborative process! 

 

I live in Chicago, getting here by way of Buffalo, New York City, San Francisco, and Berlin.