Open Mic: Peer Solutions for Your Research Grant Evaluation Challenges

4/14/26 2pm-3pm ET - virtual via Zoom - Members Meeting Virtual Session

Bring your research grant evaluation questions to this interactive, peer-driven clinic! In a supportive open-mic format, participants will have 5 minutes to present a real-world evaluation challenge they’re facing. Each presentation will be followed by a 10-minute group discussion, where peers share their experiences, strategies, and creative solutions. We’ll feature 3-4 mini-cases, leaving time for open Q&A. Whether you’re stuck on data collection, reporting, stakeholder engagement, or something else—come ready to learn from and with your colleagues!

Moderators

Brent Dolezalek – Vice President of Operations, James S. McDonnell Foundation

Jennifer Mortensen, PhD – National Director, Program Evaluation, American Heart Association
Jen is the National Director, Program Evaluation at the American Heart Association (AHA). At the AHA, she oversees the evaluation of the research award portfolio, working to understand how AHA funding impacts the careers of awardees and the field overall. Data from these evaluations is used to inform decisions within the department and share outcomes with various audiences. Prior to her work at the AHA, Jen focused primarily on youth development and systems change at two national non-profit organizations, Genesys Works and the YMCA of the USA. In those roles, she worked on developing national evaluation strategies and focused on building a data-driven culture across the organizations. Jen earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from DePaul University and both a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Ecological-Community Psychology from Michigan State University.