Center for Evaluation and Applied Research

The Center for Evaluation and Applied Research works with a broad range of not-for-profit and governmental organizations to investigate and assess initiatives that seek to improve the health and well-being of populations in New York City, New York State, and across the country. With expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, we conduct:

• Needs assessment
• Process evaluation
• Outcome evaluation
• Evaluation training and technical assistance

We work with large and small programs focused on a wide range of health-related topics, including improved nutrition and physical activity, maternal and infant health, diabetes, HIV/AIDS care, substance abuse treatment, development and training of the health care workforce, reducing racial and ethnic health disparities, aging, and access to care for immigrant populations.

Our approach to evaluation is a collaborative one that encourages program staff, administrators, funders, and participants to view the work as an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses and to use preliminary and final evaluation findings for quality improvement purposes. From the beginning of an evaluation, we partner with funders and staff to delineate program goals and objectives, identify feasible data sources, and seek concurrence regarding data collection protocols and evaluation objectives. In all our work, there is an appreciation for the balance between evaluation rigor and the practical realities of program implementation.

Our findings are reported to program staff and funders. Where appropriate, they are disseminated to a wider audience through conference presentations, reports, and peer reviewed publications.

Expertise and Capacity 
The Center for Evaluation and Applied Research is housed within NYAM's Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies (CUES) and benefits from the division’s expertise in epidemiologic and other analytic methods, as well as a sophisticated grants management and administrative infrastructure.

The Center for Evaluation has a full-time staff of six, supplemented with researchers, project managers, outreach workers, data analysts from CUES, staff from other NYAM departments, and outside consultants. Evaluation staff have advanced training in public health, the social sciences, epidemiology, social work, and qualitative and quantitative methods. Thus, we have the skills and expertise to carry out all aspects of both basic and complex evaluations, including protocol development and instrument design; survey administration; in-depth interviews and focus group facilitation; observation of program activities; data entry and maintenance; analysis of quantitative and qualitative data; and preparation of presentations, reports, and other final products.

For more information or to discuss possible collaborations, please contact
Linda Weiss, PhD, Director, at (212) 822-7298 or lweiss@nyam.org