About the Evaluator
David McCarty-Caplan, PhD, is a researcher, evaluator, and consultant with over 12 years of experience leading mixed-methods evaluations that advance educational innovation, workforce development, and equity. With a PhD in Social Work focused on organizational and educational analysis, David brings expertise in assessing curricula, institutional initiatives, and student success strategies. He supports colleges, schools, and community organizations in using data to improve access, outcomes, and impact. David specializes in translating complex findings into actionable insights that inform program design and policy. As a culturally responsive evaluator, he is excited to support ATE-funded programs through inclusive, equity-informed approaches that strengthen faculty-driven innovation, student success, and alignment with industry needs.
Evaluation Background
I specialize in...
- Qualitative methods
- Quantitative methods
- Mixed methods
- Culturally responsive evaluation
- Empowerment evaluation
- Participatory evaluation approaches
- Theory-driven evaluation
Training and Certifications
- Certificate in evaluation
- Graduate coursework in evaluation
- Professional development workshops, webinars, or online courses on evaluation
Outside of Work, I enjoy...
… being a father to two amazing kids, gardening with native plants, cooking vibrant meals with homegrown veggies, and exploring new places with my family. These experiences ground me in joy, creativity, and connection to the world around me.
A Successful Evaluation...
… produces rigorous, contextually grounded insights that organizations can actually use. It supports learning, advances equity, and drives meaningful improvement – by centering stakeholder voices and aligning methods with real-world goals and impact.
My Working Style...
… is collaborative and equity-centered, combining cultural responsiveness with methodological rigor. I tailor each evaluation to the project’s context, ensuring the findings are both analytically sound and actionable – supporting meaningful learning, improvement, and impact.
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.