Omolola Adekokun, Ph.D.
Extension Evaluation Director University of Kentucky
Outstanding ATE Project Evaluation Award
A Collaborative Approach to Work-Based Learning in Biotechnology: Building Inclusive Lab Environments
Project Team
James Lewis, PI
Karen Leung, Co-PI
City College of San Francisco
Evaluator
Andrea Goldfien
Outstanding Small, New to ATE Project Evaluation Award
Integrating Biotechnology and Applied Engineering to Meet Emerging Advanced Technological Workforce Needs
Project Team
Brian Worley, PI
Johnston Community College
Evaluators
John Cosgrove
Maggie Cosgrove
Cosgrove & Associates
Outstanding Small, New to ATE Project Award
Integrating Biotechnology and Applied Engineering to Meet Emerging Advanced Technological Workforce Needs
Why the judges selected this evaluation
The judges praised the evaluation’s ability to tell a compelling story about the project; attention to sustainability, especially in a new-to-ATE project; and descriptions of a productive relationship between the project and evaluation teams. They also commended the evaluation for effectively collecting data from multiple sources while remaining focused on answering key evaluation questions.
Outstanding ATE Project Evaluation Award
A Collaborative Approach to Work-Based Learning in Biotechnology: Building Inclusive Lab Environments
Why the judges selected this evaluation
The judges praised the evaluation’s integration of quantitative and qualitative data in a way that enriched the findings; focus on industry needs and collaboration; and range of desired outcomes, including criteria around diversity, equity, and inclusion. They were particularly drawn to the persuasive testimonials from project staff that described the overarching utility of the evaluation efforts.
Nomination Testimonials
What makes an outstanding ATE evaluation? The answers can be varied of course, but in the two ATE evaluations honored in 2023, four common themes emerged from the nomination testimonials.
The testimonials emphasize the profound impact of evaluations, underscoring their roles not just for accountability or compliance, but as guiding compasses integral to the project’s lifecycle. As we celebrate these outstanding achievements, it’s evident that the collaborative team efforts between project teams and evaluators have enhanced the quality of these ATE projects and contributed to a broader shift in perspective.
2023 Judges
Rebecca Teasdale, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology University of Illinois Chicago
Melissa Demetrikopoulos, Ph.D.
Director of Scientific Communications and Chair, Division of Program Development and Assessment Institute for Biomedical Philosophy
Previous Honorees
Learn more about the previous Outstanding ATE Evaluation Award honorees.
EvaluATE is supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number 2332143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this site are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.