About the Evaluator

Lauren McClain, PhD is Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Grantibly, where she leads evaluation for NSF ATE, S-STEM, and IUSE projects. A former tenured sociology professor, Lauren brings deep experience in qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed-methods design, and translating data into clear, actionable findings. She partners with PIs to create evaluations that strengthen programs, meet NSF requirements, and highlight student impact. Known for their thoughtful approach and ability to make evaluation useful – not overwhelming – Grantibly helps grant-funded teams build clarity, tell their story with confidence, and use their data to inform and improve. Through Grantibly, she supports colleges and their partners in making a lasting difference for students and the workforce.

Evaluation Background

I specialize in...

  • Qualitative methods
  • Quantitative methods
  • Mixed methods
  • Culturally responsive evaluation
  • Developmental evaluation
  • Empowerment evaluation
  • Participatory evaluation approaches
  • Utilization-focused evaluation

I have worked with projects in the areas of:

  • ATE projects
  • NSF projects other than ATE (e.g., IUSE, S-STEM, AISL, HSI, ADVANCE)
  • Projects at two-year colleges
  • STEM education projects supported by funder other than NSF

Training and Certifications

  • Professional development workshops, webinars, or online courses on evaluation

Outside of Work, I enjoy...

… spending time with my husband and 2 kids, working on DIY projects around the house, in the yard, or to refinish furniture (especially those that involve power tools), gardening, reading, and napping.

A Successful Evaluation...

… is one where the client felt supported and guided by the data, the program was continuously improved as a result of the evaluation, and the participants had a great experience and desired outcomes.

My Working Style...

… is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in making data useful. I bring structure to complex projects, communicate clearly, and support clients in using evaluation not just for compliance – but for learning, improvement, and deeper impact.

Evaluator Details

Education

Ph.D., Sociology with Quantitative Methods minor concentration

Stem Discipline

Location

Bowling Green, KY

ATE Central Evaluator Profile

Download Resume

“As a former academic, I understand the pressures faculty face. I partner with faculty to make evaluation clear, useful, and empowering – not just for reporting, but for program growth and student success.”

Work Samples

No work samples are available at this time. Please check back later.

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Nation Science Foundation Logo 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.
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