Dr. Welch is a sociologist with expertise in designing, implementing, and disseminating results from large and small research projects, including evaluation studies. Her methodological specialization is mixed method and qualitative research. As Evaluation Director, she develops and implements an overall evaluation program that addresses the process and outcomes of the CTSI’s work. Dr. Welch also consults with individual service areas on needs assessment and evaluation projects, provides expertise in program evaluation for supplemental grants, and has a faculty appointment at Tufts University School of Medicine. Prior to joining Tufts CTSI, Dr. Welch conducted health services research for NIH and industry sponsors at New England Research Institutes and served as a member of the sociology faculty at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She received a PhD in Sociology from Brown University, where she conducted research at the Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research.