Contact Nova
Location: WHIT 370E
Lincoln NE 68583-0866
Phone: 402-472-0764 On campus, dial 2-0764
EmailNova Gocchi Carrasco
SENIOR EVALUATION PROJECT MANAGER
With over a decade of experience in research administration, I currently serve as a Senior Evaluation Project Manager. In this role, I manage evaluation projects from start to finish, ensuring clear communication between clients, partner organizations, and our junior staff and students at MERC. I oversee every aspect of the project life cycle, ensuring timelines are met, objectives are achieved, and everything runs smoothly.
I have published over a dozen articles and led research on critical issues such as substance use, rural community health, and working with under-resourced communities. My work is driven by a passion for making research accessible to people of all identities and abilities, with a focus on research dissemination and translation. I believe in the power of data to drive change and am committed to bridging the gap between research and the communities it serves.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and attending live music and theater events with my son, Elliot/Iris. If you know me, you'll find that I am also always creating something - from paper stars to ceramics, I love the embodiment of art and seeing my creations come to life.
Expertise:
Get to know Nova!
What brought you to MERC?
I started at MERC in October of 2023, but I have worked with MERC staff in other capacities since its inception. Before joining MERC, I worked for ten years in research administration at UNL. I ended up at MERC after discovering that a senior position had opened up and knew it would be a great fit and new adventure for me.
What are you most passionate about in this field?
I’ve always had a passion for understanding what works or doesn’t, for whom, under what conditions, and why. My position at MERC allows me to work on projects that rigorously evaluate programs and policies, providing critical insights that can drive meaningful improvements. I am particularly passionate about using data-driven approaches to uncover these insights, as it enables evidence-based decision-making that can lead to better outcomes for communities. This role not only allows me to apply my analytical skills but also aligns with my commitment to making a positive impact, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment for me.
What historical figure would you choose to have dinner/drinks with?
Having dinner with Artemisia Gentileschi would be an extraordinary experience because they were a pioneering Baroque artist in a male-dominated world. Their life and work were marked by immense talent, resilience, and a deep sense of personal expression. Known for powerful depictions of strong figures from mythology, they brought a unique and empathetic perspective to their art that was ahead of its time. Artemisia's personal story of overcoming adversity subsequent rise to prominence as a respected artist, is both inspiring and poignant.