NSF ERC: CELL-MET
CELL-MET is an NSF-funded Engineering Research Center led by Boston University and their partner institutions.
CELL-MET’s goals are to:
(1) create engineered heart tissue that is used to save lives and improve human health and,
(2) create a diverse workforce ready to tackle next-generation challenges in synthetic tissues.
CELL-MET Evaluation Overview
The overall CELL-MET evaluation goals are to:
(1) provide improvement-oriented evaluation feedback,
(2) help ensure program accountability, and
(3) document ERC best practices and Center impact.
Such an evaluation strategy is particularly critical when one is managing a complex multi-institutional, multidisciplinary, and cross-sector collaborative Center with long-term, transformational goals and objectives, as is the case with CELL-MET.
The evaluation team, led by Dr. Lindsey McGowen, North Carolina State University, has worked with the CELL-MET leadership team to develop a comprehensive logic model-based evaluation strategy around the Center’s five integrated objectives. The evaluation strategic plan is guided by the following evaluation goals:
Evaluate CELL-METs convergent team science, progress toward engineering heart tissues relative to their technical milestones, and impact on the Eng-Bio convergence field
Evaluate the effectiveness of CELL-MET career preparation activities, the impact of CELL-MET participation on trainee scientific, technical, communication, and professional skills, and alumni career outcomes within the Eng-Bio Convergence field.
Evaluate the effectiveness of CELL-MET outreach programs, the extent to which they reach young learners from under-represented backgrounds, and lead them to pursue engineering and STEM higher education.
Evaluate the diversity of CELL-MET participants, the effectiveness of its DEI programs, and their impact on the Center’s culture of inclusion.
Evaluate CELL-METs engagement with members and partners within its innovation ecosystem, and the impact of that engagement on technology translation and commercialization of CELL-MET technologies for R&D and clinical applications.
In addition to these center-wide objective-specific goals, the evaluation team seeks to provide real-time data-based formative evaluation feedback to inform center management and decision making to support program improvement and strategy.
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Visit the ERC Association Website