Patricia Seppanen
Senior Research Associate
Pat’s educational background and professional experience have centered on the evaluation of educational and social programs and policies, and supporting others in their efforts to do so. Prior to joining Rainbow Research in 2008, Pat served as the Director of Research Applications at Search Institute and as the Associate Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. Before moving into research and evaluation on a full-time basis, she worked in a range of settings including a voluntary collaborative program involving nine rural school districts, a state department of education, and higher education.
From 2006-2008, Pat served on the board of the Minnesota Evaluation Association and as the board president in 2007. Currently, she is on the board of directors of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute, a Twin Cities based organization known internationally for its work in applying nonlinear dynamics and complexity theory to human systems.
Pat is a founding member of Rainbow Research’s staff soup and salad club. In her spare time, she is a Master Gardener.
Pat has a doctorate in Educational Administration and Social Policy from Harvard University and a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Rehabilitation Services.
Recent Project Examples:
Evaluation
Capacity Building for Healthy Eating Minnesota
Projects
Client: Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Minnesota, Center for Prevention
Evaluation
of Minnesota’s School-wide Positive Behavior
Intervention and Support Initiative (MN-PBIS)
Client: Minnesota Department of
Education