Applying Geospatial and Engineering Technology

The independent evaluation of AGET is intended to satisfy NSF requirements that all ATE projects conduct a comprehensive assessment of their activities and outcomes. 

Two goals will be central to the evaluation of AGET:

1. To help the project better serve its constituents and improve its effectiveness related to technician education and student success
2. To serve the broader geospatial, engineering, science and technologies education communities by documenting accomplishments and disseminating critical project findings.

The evaluation will be led by Blake Urbach, Principal Consultant of Preferred Program Evaluations. The evaluation has been designed to complement and reaffirm the stated goals and objectives of the project. The evaluation will establish the impact – both projected and unanticipated – on curriculum development and design; collaboration with industry partners and the K-12 community; formation of articulation agreements and experiential opportunities for AGET program participants; student performance and success; ability to access and recruit the target population, and the participants’ perception of the services and activities provided.

Evaluation activities will be both formative and summative in nature, and play an integral part in the success of AGET.  Preferred Program Evaluations will serve as an accessible resource to the project team at all phases of the evaluation, employing a systematic approach to data collection, summation, and adjustment.  The evaluation will examine programmatic successes and challenges, assess changes in organizational capacity, and guide decisions about future activities in the event of expansion or replication.

Preferred Program Evaluations will work closely with the P.I., Dr. Jeff Turk, to chronicle project activities, design, performance, and achievement of outcomes to remain proactive in addressing the complexities of implementation.  Evidence-based recommendations intended to strengthen project elements and improve student success will be presented, and the parties will strategize the most effective ways to address identified challenges.

• Sheila L. Caldwell (UNG Dual Admission Personnel)
• Jeremy Rylee (Gainesville City Department of Water Resources, Utility Senior Database/AMI Analyst)
• Christopher Semerjian (Georgia Department of Natural Resources)
• Jeff Simmons (Platinum Geomatics)
• Mark Chastain (Chastain & Associates, P.C.,  Surveying, Planning &  Consulting)
• Danielle Ayan (Booz Allen Hamilton)
• Steven Hooks (Engineering 303,  LLC Stream  Restoration &  Land   Surveying)
• Danielle Hambrick (GIS LLC)
• Charles Bailey (Georgia Forest Commission)
• Dax Flynn (City of Atlanta, Department of Watershed Management)
• Josh Proctor (Georgia Power)
• Brian Rochester (Rochester and Associates)
• Tom True, PE, LS (Wolverton)