The June CRAG meeting will welcome experts from Abacus Evaluation, a core facility at The UNC Center for Thriving Communities, to explore practical ways data systems can enhance research, evaluation, and research administration—even with limited resources. Participants will learn how to clearly define data needs for projects and administrative processes without requiring technical expertise or advanced system knowledge. The session also highlights how effective data systems can support innovative approaches, including methods like social network analysis, to improve insight and decision-making across the research lifecycle.

Featured Speakers

• Amelia DeFosset, MPH, Associate Director of Evaluation Services, Abacus Evaluation

• Bernard A. Coles IV, Ph.D., Network Scientist, Abacus Evaluation

•  Marlena Kuhn, MPH, Data Analyst, Abacus Evaluation

• Jade Hollars, MPH, MBA, Evaluation Project Coordinator, Abacus Evaluation

About CRAG

The Collaborative Research Administrators Group (CRAG) was organized to promote and encourage collaboration between Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) staff and departmental research administrators with the ultimate goal of providing a forum for staff involved in research administration to share information and ideas.

CRAG endeavors to:

• Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information on best practices

• Provide research training and information on consistent operational processes

• Develop innovative and efficient administrative practices

Everyone involved in research administration is welcome to attend.