Greater Boston Evaluation Network upcoming events

GIS for Program Evaluation (04/23/2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This workshop explores how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can strengthen program evaluation and policy analysis by integrating spatial data into evidence-based decision-making. Participants will learn about frameworks and best practices for using GIS to assess program access, visualize community needs, and identify service disparities across geographic areas. Drawing on case studies from process and outcome public safety evaluations, the session highlights how organizations have leveraged spatial analysis to measure outcomes, target resources more effectively, and communicate results to stakeholders. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how GIS tools and data-driven mapping can enhance both the rigor and the impact of evaluation efforts.

This is Part 1 in the GIS for Program Evaluation series. A follow-up workshop on how to use QGIS, a free and open source tool, is scheduled on May 26.

Presenters:

Eric L. Piza is the Lipman Family Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice and the Director of Crime Analysis Initiatives at Northeastern University. His research focuses on spatial analysis, evidence-based policing, ant the integration of academic research and crime prevention practice. Prior to joining academia, he served as the Geographic Information Systems Specialist for the Newark, NJ Police Department.

Dr. Fang Fang is an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University. Her research focuses on applying GIS, deep learning, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing to understand urban environmental dynamics. She integrates computational methods with spatial analysis to advance sustainable and climate-resilient urban planning.

Please note: If you are a GBEN member, this event is free. GBEN members, make sure you are logged into the website before registering.

You'll receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after you register. If you don't receive the email, please check your Spam/Junk folder.

GBEN Emerging Evaluators Affinity Group (04/24/2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Please note: This event is open only to GBEN members. You must be logged into the website to register. Interested in becoming a member? Check out our Membership Page to learn more about the benefits.

Please join us for another GBEN Emerging/Early Career Evaluators Affinity Group meeting! This affinity group holds recurring meetings every month for emerging evaluators to connect with one another, share successes, problem solve, and discuss important issues such as career planning and skill building.

This month's meeting will continue the conversation on career progression and creating practical action plans to address any hurdles.

GBEN members who are interested should register for the next meeting on Zoom on Friday, April 24 from 11am-12pm EST and request access to the Google Group. A Zoom link will be sent in your registration confirmation.

Boston Area Research Initiative Conference (BARI) (05/08/2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Boston Area Research Initiative Conference is a unique forum for community leaders, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to share how they advance data-driven research and policy in Greater Boston, and how we could do even more through collective action.

Click here to learn more and register on BARI's website.

GIS for Program Evaluation, Part 2: Hands-On Mapping with QGIS (05/26/2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This workshop builds on Part 1 by moving from concepts into applied practice using QGIS, a free, open-source mapping platform. Participants will work directly with spatial data to understand how data structures shape what can be mapped, styled, and interpreted in evaluation work. Through a guided exercise, participants will load data, navigate the QGIS interface, and explore how fields and values in the attribute table inform visualization choices such as symbology, color, and labeling. The session emphasizes the connection between data structure and design decisions, showing how careful mapping can strengthen analysis and communication of program and policy outcomes.

Note: Participants are required to download and install QGIS prior to the session to fully engage in hands-on activities.

This is Part 2 in the GIS for Program Evaluation series, focused on applied use of QGIS for evaluation and policy analysis.

Presenter:

Sarah Kontos is a data analyst with a background in GIS mapping and transportation data. Her work positions storytelling at the core of effective and meaningful data analysis. She has experience in the nonprofit and tech industries. She holds a BA in History from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Urban Design from The New School. She is based in Brooklyn.

Please note: If you are a GBEN member, this event is free. GBEN members, make sure you are logged into the website before registering.

You'll receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after you register. If you don't receive the email, please check your Spam/Junk folder.