Manpreet Dhillon Brar, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

As Senior Researcher at Vital Research, I lead the strategic development and implementation of evaluation projects across various sectors, including education, social services, and health. My work is grounded in Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) practices, with a focus on using applied research for solution-driven insights for every project I work on. I oversee project design, manage large-scale mixed-methods evaluations, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure… Show more As Senior Researcher at Vital Research, I lead the strategic development and implementation of evaluation projects across various sectors, including education, social services, and health. My work is grounded in Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) practices, with a focus on using applied research for solution-driven insights for every project I work on. I oversee project design, manage large-scale mixed-methods evaluations, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure our research leads to actionable insights.In addition to driving business development, I supervise and mentor research teams, ensuring high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting. I also lead the creation of evaluation frameworks that guide policy and practice for our clients, aligning with our commitment to equity .Key responsibilities:☆ Lead and design equitable, culturally responsive evaluation projects☆ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement research and evaluation full-cycle projects☆ Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting processes for up to 5 projects at a time☆ Foster stakeholder engagement to ensure data-driven, community-centered insights☆ Spearhead business development through networking and proposal writing Show less

Greater Los Angeles Area

☆Co-founded and developed an intergroup dialogue program, along with a multi-year strategic plan to drive measurable impact in facilitating DEI&B training for national and international organizations.Implemented the strategic plan, resulting in significant growth of DEI&B workshops, with over 50 dialogue workshops per year reaching 1000+ participants in 2021, covering topics such as discrimination, human rights, and interrupting biased behavior.☆Consulted with for-profit and… Show more ☆Co-founded and developed an intergroup dialogue program, along with a multi-year strategic plan to drive measurable impact in facilitating DEI&B training for national and international organizations.Implemented the strategic plan, resulting in significant growth of DEI&B workshops, with over 50 dialogue workshops per year reaching 1000+ participants in 2021, covering topics such as discrimination, human rights, and interrupting biased behavior.☆Consulted with for-profit and nonprofit organizations to develop customized DEI&B plans with deliverables and timelines for execution of DEI&B and intergroup dialogue events, providing centralized resources.☆Tracked and reported key DEI&B metrics and presented data to executives as part of consulting contracts.☆Demonstrated a track record of success in driving inclusive workplace, organizational culture change, and results through the intergroup dialogue program and workshops.☆Coached leaders and cross-functional groups to develop their DEI&B skills and provided guidance and consultancy around DEI&B issues throughout the organization.☆Established partnerships and collaborations with community organizations, businesses, and government agencies to advance DEI&B initiatives in the wider community.☆Designed and implemented customized diversity plans for-profit and nonprofit organizations, utilizing user feedback and an iterative process to enhance the user experience of programs.☆Developed centralized resources, conducted user research, and analyzed program outcomes to measure and improve the effectiveness of initiatives. Show less

San Bernardino, California, United States

☆ Successfully led 3 end-to-end grant-funded research projects focused on civic engagement, intergroup relations, and the COVID-19 pandemic with 1000+ adult participants. Employed various methods, including individual interviews, focus groups, surveys, and pre-post-post questionnaires.☆ Oversaw ideation of research design and identified appropriate methodology, funding proposals, institutional compliance, budgeting, across-institution communication, staff training, and data… Show more ☆ Successfully led 3 end-to-end grant-funded research projects focused on civic engagement, intergroup relations, and the COVID-19 pandemic with 1000+ adult participants. Employed various methods, including individual interviews, focus groups, surveys, and pre-post-post questionnaires.☆ Oversaw ideation of research design and identified appropriate methodology, funding proposals, institutional compliance, budgeting, across-institution communication, staff training, and data management.☆ Secured over $150,000 in grant funding through proposal writing, collaboration, and networking with agencies.☆ Developed interview guide and survey protocol using Qualtrics software. Supervised and trained staff on qualitative data collection and analysis using NVivo and Dedoose software.☆ Conducted and communicated advanced data analyses using SPSS, Stata, Dedoose to diverse audiences (e.g., junior and senior researchers, community members, school administrators) at international conferences.☆ Instructed over 400 students in 10 unique courses (21 total) on applied, qualitative, and advanced quantitative research methods, resulting in improved student performance and increased knowledge of research and statistics. ☆ Leveraged an iterative process and incorporated feedback from various stakeholders to effectively design and lead successful courses, demonstrating proficiency in conducting user research and usability testing to improve user experiences and optimize course delivery for communicating complex information to diverse audiences. Show less

Youth Diversity Project

Principal Investigators: Dr. Sandra Graham and Dr. Jaana Juvonen☆Developed research protocols and administered trainings to 12 graduate students, 150 self-recruited undergraduate research assistants, and 5 project coordinators over the span of 7 years to successfully collect longitudinal data from 4500 young adults in-person and online.☆Established key outreach initiatives which increased successful recruitment of study participants through well-nurtured partnerships with… Show more Principal Investigators: Dr. Sandra Graham and Dr. Jaana Juvonen☆Developed research protocols and administered trainings to 12 graduate students, 150 self-recruited undergraduate research assistants, and 5 project coordinators over the span of 7 years to successfully collect longitudinal data from 4500 young adults in-person and online.☆Established key outreach initiatives which increased successful recruitment of study participants through well-nurtured partnerships with principal stakeholders from 45+ school sites. ☆Generated metrics to benchmark research success appropriately and communicated study progress and results via production of annual reports with data visualizations for grant agencies and community stakeholders. ☆Oversaw the management of multiple grants amounting to $700k and collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to maintain healthy cash flow. ☆Applied sophisticated quantitative techniques including regression analysis, cross-lagged models, and hierarchical linear models to provide valuable insights and inform decision-making processes. Show less

University Of California, Los Angeles

☆ Led and facilitated educational activities, workshops, and weekly meetings for students involved in or interested in the Olive Tree Initiative.☆ Organized and executed outreach efforts to increase participation and awareness of the experiential learning program.☆Coordinated and participated in a 3-week immersive learning experience to the Middle East for a group of students, training them as student diplomats.☆ Collaborated with faculty and staff to plan and execute… Show more ☆ Led and facilitated educational activities, workshops, and weekly meetings for students involved in or interested in the Olive Tree Initiative.☆ Organized and executed outreach efforts to increase participation and awareness of the experiential learning program.☆Coordinated and participated in a 3-week immersive learning experience to the Middle East for a group of students, training them as student diplomats.☆ Collaborated with faculty and staff to plan and execute the program, ensuring a successful and impactful experience for participants. Show less

☆ Mentored, tutored, and trained students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enhance their independence and prepare them for independent living.☆ Facilitated the achievement of students' academic, personal, and career goals through individualized support and coaching.☆ Maintained accurate records of student progress, including generating daily reports and monitoring academic performance.☆ Collaborated with other professionals and caregivers to identify… Show more ☆ Mentored, tutored, and trained students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enhance their independence and prepare them for independent living.☆ Facilitated the achievement of students' academic, personal, and career goals through individualized support and coaching.☆ Maintained accurate records of student progress, including generating daily reports and monitoring academic performance.☆ Collaborated with other professionals and caregivers to identify areas of need and develop personalized strategies to improve students' success. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Education

Activities and Societies: Emphasis on Human Development and Psychology Dissertation Title: "Exploring the predictors and consequences.

Master'S Of Arts In Education, Human Developed & Psychology

Thesis Title: "Not fitting in: The impact of gender atypicality on middle schoolers’ psychosocial adjustment"

Bachelor'S Degree, Psychology

Activities and Societies: Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; Active Minds; Research

Associate'S Degree, Social Sciences