In May 2024, Rossana Roberts, an Evaluation Research Specialist at Abacus Evaluation Services, was awarded a Core Facility Staff Recognition Award in the area of Customer Service. Rossana’s nomination highlighted her leadership skills and ability to seamlessly close the gap when senior personnel are on leave or when projects need restructuring. Additionally, her communication skills and ability to effectively lead meetings and ensure that customer goals and priorities are understood and centered were specifically mentioned as well.
How did you get into your field?
I have always been passionate about public health and addressing health disparities. I love working with people and understanding why something does or doesn’t work and how it could be improved. These two passions are what led me to get my Master’s in Public Health and Social Work [Rossana received dual MSW/MPH degrees from UNC Chapel Hill). I have been working at Abacus for a little over two years.
It’s really exciting to see people come together to create some really innovative ideas and how each person involved brings something unique and different to the work..
What is your favorite part of working in your core? What does your average day look like?
The collaboration – it’s very rewarding to work with such motivated and passionate people, where we’re always learning from one another. ? I’ve really enjoyed the projects where I get to collaborate with a range of folks from different backgrounds whether that be folks from different departments at UNC, or local communities. It’s really exciting to see people come together to create some really innovative ideas and how each person involved brings something unique and different to the work.
Everyday looks a little different which is something I love about my job because it keeps me from getting bored or restless. Because my job involves being on several different project teams at once, I spend a lot of time balancing different project tasks and deadlines and engaging with project teams to learn about their work and discuss evaluation activities. I spend a lot of time in Asana, Sharepoint and Zoom, and juggle tasks like planning evaluations, collecting data via surveys, focus groups, or interviews, analyzing data, or presenting on evaluation findings.
Who inspires you (alive or deceased)?
My son inspires me in everything I do- not only does he inspire me because I want to set an example for him, but I’m motivated by his curiosity and his passion for everything he does.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time outside exploring parks and trying new restaurants and coffee shops in the triangle area.