Qualitative Research and Focus Groups
Utilizing interviews and focus groups to gain in-depth insights into participant experiences and program impact
Selected Projects
Focus Group Moderator for National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Research
Client: Hispanic Communications Network (HCN Global), National Council on Aging (NCOA) Work: -Recruited and moderated a virtual focus group of Asian American seniors (65+ years old) with chronic illnesses. -Conducted 90-minute structured focus group discussions via Zoom to assess barriers to healthcare access. -Ensured participant diversity and eligibility based on research specifications. -Performed qualitative data analysis to identify themes related to self-management and healthcare challenges. -Contributed to final research reports used to inform policy recommendations for aging populations.
Local Evaluation of the TOGETHER Program (Focus Groups, Key Personnel Interviews)
Client: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Work: -Designed and facilitated focus groups and key personnel interviews to assess program implementation. -Collected qualitative data on participant experiences, program effectiveness, and barriers to service access. -Conducted thematic analysis to evaluate the impact of the TOGETHER program on relationship and economic stability. -Integrated qualitative findings with quantitative data for a comprehensive program evaluation. -Prepared detailed reports with actionable recommendations for program improvements.
Technical Assistance for the Young Parents Demonstration Grant (Focus Groups with Grantees)
Client: U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment Training Administration (ETA) Work: -Organized and moderated focus groups with grantees to assess implementation challenges and successes. -Conducted stakeholder interviews to evaluate the effectiveness of workforce development programs for young parents. -Identified barriers to participant engagement and program retention through qualitative analysis. -Provided recommendations based on focus group findings to improve training, support services, and program delivery. -Assisted in developing best practices and technical assistance materials for grantees.
U.S. Participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) (Focus Groups with External Experts)
Client: U.S. Department of Education (ED), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Work: -Conducted focus groups with mathematics and science experts to review the alignment of U.S. curricula with TIMSS standards. -Analyzed qualitative feedback from subject matter experts on assessment frameworks and item design. -Summarized key insights from discussions to improve international benchmarking efforts. -Developed recommendations for future curriculum enhancements based on expert input. -Assisted in drafting reports detailing focus group findings and suggested reforms.
Review of Exchange Alumni Coordination (Stakeholder Interviews and Qualitative Analysis)
Client: U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Work: -Conducted stakeholder interviews with U.S. embassy officials and program coordinators to evaluate alumni engagement efforts. -Analyzed qualitative data to identify best practices and challenges in exchange program follow-up. -Provided recommendations for improving alumni networks and program coordination. -Assisted in drafting a comprehensive report assessing program efficiency and sustainability. -Contributed to policy recommendations for enhancing alumni participation and long-term impact.
Cognitive Interviews for Questionnaire Development
Client: Graduate Research (University-Based Study) Work: -Designed survey questionnaire and cognitive interview protocols for pre-testing research instruments. -Recruited and conducted cognitive interviews with a diverse group of participants to assess question clarity and interpretation. -Analyzed participant feedback to identify problematic survey questions and improve wording. -Refined survey items to enhance validity and reliability before full-scale deployment. -Contributed to methodology documentation and final research reports on questionnaire refinement.
