The Center for Public Health Evaluation and Research (TCER) staff aims to improve health outcomes across the country through high-quality research and evaluation. We work with federal, state, and local governments, private nonprofit and for-profit organizations to conduct research, evaluation, process improvement, and needs assessments. The use of data on outcomes, performance measures, and process measures are used to better understand how services affect results. Additionally, analyses of quantitative and qualitative data help predict and explain the results of work across communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide high-quality public health research and evaluation services to improve outcomes for public health initiatives and track progress through performance measures and process evaluation. We work with federal, state, and local governments, private nonprofit, and for-profit organizations to collect data on outcomes, performance measures, and process measures which are used to better understand how services affect results. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data are used to better predict and explain the results of work and we use a community-based participatory research approach which is family-centered, community-based, and culturally competent.
 

Expertise

TCER provides public health evaluation and research services and expertise for state and private agencies within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice (NRCFCP). Center projects currently focus on chronic disease including the Iowa Get Screened (IGS) Colorectal Cancer Program, Care for Yourself Program including breast and cervical cancer and early detection, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program, and CDC-sponsored evaluations of the state programs for Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, and the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. TCER also assists Iowa’s mental health initiative for evidence-based practices through environmental scans, and has conducted numerous needs assessments, surveys, and network analysis for local health departments and non-profit agencies. TCER also helps the NRCFCP achieve its mission to promote family-centered, community-based, culturally competent practice within organizations and across systems through research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and information dissemination. TCER develops and implements high-quality outcome measurement, process evaluation, and research to inform practice and policy for programs and projects. TCER’s location at the University of Iowa also provides access to a wealth of resources and expertise on behalf of those for whom we conduct evaluations.

Jobs & Internships

TCER welcomes inquiries from students interested in conducting an academic practicum.  Students interested in conducting a practicum should contact Elisa Childs at elisa-childs@uiowa.edu.

TCER lists open part-time and full-time employment opportunities on the Jobs@Uiowa site.

Testimonials

Audrey Penningroth

Audrey Penningroth (MPH Practicum student, Spring 2024)

"Collaborating with Sarah Strack and the entire NRC cohort has been an extremely positive and enriching experience. With invaluable support and mentorship from the staff, the NRC has consistently offered relevant projects that have enhanced my professional skillset during my practicum experience. As I prepare to transition into the workforce, I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the NRC, which have been influential in my growth and development, particularly in the areas of public health research and evaluation."