Public Health Joy

S3 EP 11 - The Human Element: The Evolution of Public Health Research and Evaluation

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Today on The Public Health Joy Podcast, we speak to Dr. Mary Davis, Lead Evaluation Specialist at Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance, about the importance of the human element in the evolution of public health research and evaluation.


Dr. Davis has extensive experience with all aspects of public health applied research and evaluation and has provided evaluation capacity-building assistance to a variety of organizations. In this episode, she joins us to reflect on how the mindset and language in applied research, evaluation, and technical assistance training have changed since she joined the field and why people are no longer viewed simply as data points.


Tuning in, you’ll learn why the “human element” is as valid as quantitative data, why relationships are an essential part of research, and how to demonstrate the importance of these things to relevant decision-makers, particularly when it comes to funding. We also touch on the critical role of diversity, Dr. Davis’ advice for the next generation of researchers and evaluators, and much more!


Key Points From This Episode:

  • The evolution Dr. Davis has witnessed in public health research and evaluation. [02:31]
  • Reasons that the human element is just as important as quantitative data. [04:29]
  • The critical role that relationships play in public health research. [08:42]
  • Keys to ensuring that funding is equitable and beneficial for communities. [11:17]
  • How to determine whether an evaluation is relevant to the end user. [15:41]
  • Creative and innovative ways to demonstrate the importance of relationship building to decision-makers. [18:55]
  • Training the next generation of researchers and evaluators through an equity lens. [21:40]
  • Why diversity is important for public health faculty and students, research groups, and the communities they serve. [26:18]
  • Dr. Davis’ advice for emerging evaluators looking to make a meaningful impact. [32:35]
  • How mentoring the next generation of public health professionals brings her joy. [35:08]


    • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and leave a comment. For more transcripts, show notes and more visit https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/


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    Public Health JoyBy Dr. Joyee Washington
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