Lixin Zhang

<p><strong>Lixin Zhang, PhD, </strong>is the Assistant Director of Research Evaluation at Case Western Reserve University and an alumna of the University of Minnesota in the United States. Her research integrates social network analysis, complexity theory, and systems thinking to advance the conceptual foundations and practical applications of program evaluation. She earned her PhD in Evaluation Studies from the University of Minnesota, where she developed the SNA&ndash;Evaluation Conceptual Framework, a theory-driven approach that integrates social network analysis into evaluation design, implementation, and interpretation. This framework advances evaluation methodology in complex, multi-stakeholder environments by repositioning social network analysis as a conceptual lens for examining relational structures, collaborative infrastructures, and systems-level change.</p>
<p>Dr. Zhang has designed and implemented mixed-method and network-informed approaches for federally and state-funded initiatives in public health, violence prevention, nutrition education, rural development, and translational science. Her work has been presented at international and national forums, including the United Nations Development Programme National Evaluation Capacities (NEC) Conference and the American Evaluation Association Conference, and published in peer-reviewed journals such as Frontiers in Public Health. With interdisciplinary training in nursing, human resource development, and evaluation science, she brings a complexity-oriented and human-centered perspective to her work. Through her publications, development of evaluation systems, and professional service, she remains committed to advancing evaluation methodology to address complex social and health challenges.</p>