Sierra Saunders

Sierra Saunders serves as a Senior Project Coordinator at the Center for Program Evaluation and Instructor in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in high-impact program evaluations across public health, education, and community services for local to national organizations.

Education

• MPH in Health Administration and Policy, University of Nevada, Reno
• B.S. in Biology, University of Nevada, Reno

Research Interests

Her work focuses on designing and implementing program evaluations to address systemic inequities in underserved populations, with emphasis on mental health systems (SAMHSA-funded Systems of Care), public health interventions (CDC fruit/vegetable prescription), tribal home visiting, and conservation corps initiatives. She partners with diverse communities to develop culturally responsive solutions through participatory evaluation frameworks.

Scientific Awards

• Graduate Scholar Award Recipient, University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health (May 2022)
• Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health membership (Delta Phi Chapter, April 2022–present)

Grants and Projects

Saunders has coordinated major grants including SAMHSA Systems of Care, CDC 1817 Competitive Award (Nevada Two-way Text Messaging and Fruit/Vegetable Prescription), Administration for Children and Families tribal home visiting, NSF Regional Innovation Engines, and evaluations for Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, Nevada Conservation Corps, Washoe County School District Title I, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Nevada.

Professional Affiliations

• American Evaluation Association (AEA)
• The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement

Labs and Teams

She operates within the Center for Program Evaluation at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on community-engaged research projects targeting health and social disparities.