About the Evaluator
Dr. Silvana McCormick leads Redwood Consulting Collective, a California-based firm partnering with colleges, universities, nonprofits, and public agencies to advance learning, improvement, and impact. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Claremont Graduate University, with advanced training in Program Evaluation & Applied Research Methods. Silvana designs responsive, collaborative, theory-driven evaluations across STEM higher ed, workforce development, and social innovation, with deep experience on NSF-funded initiatives (ATE, HSI, Noyce, IUSE, NRT) and other federal, state, and foundation projects. She builds practical, sustainable evaluation systems that help organizations learn, improve, and communicate impact. Known for her utility-focused approach, Silvana aligns evaluation with funder needs and client priorities, turning data into clear, actionable insights. She’s valued for her empathy, flexibility, and commitment to helping teams navigate complexity and strengthen strategy.
Evaluation Background
I specialize in...
- Qualitative methods
- Quantitative methods
- Mixed methods
- Culturally responsive evaluation
- Theory-driven evaluation
- Utilization-focused evaluation
I have worked with projects in the areas of:
- ATE Centers
- 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
- Graduate coursework in evaluation
- Professional development workshops, webinars, or online courses on evaluation
Outside of Work, I enjoy...
… I enjoy tending my garden, adventuring outdoors with my family, birdwatching, and building community connections.
A Successful Evaluation...
… goes beyond accountability. It supports thoughtful decision-making, continuous learning, and a clearer understanding of impact.
My Working Style...
… centers partnership and trust. I bring empathy, adaptability, and clear thinking to help teams use data not just for accountability, but to strengthen strategy, learning, 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.