Jennifer Winston

About Jennifer Winston

Jen Winston is a Senior Research Analyst for the Black and Indigenous Children and Families program at Child Trends, Inc. Housed in the Office of the President, Jen assists in achieving the Impact Plan’s goals for deepening and expanding applied research on Black and Indigenous children and families to promote their well-being. Her research interests include racial and ethnic equity, social and emotional development, protective family and community resources, and family studies. With over six years of research and evaluation experience, Jen is skilled in quantitative and qualitative data methodologies, written and oral communication, and project management. This can be shown through her involvement in a variety of grants ranging from applying an asset-based approach to child development and mental well-being, to delving into community-based behavioral health systems. Before joining Child Trends, Jen served as Public Health Advisor with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), where she supported grantees in their efforts to promote mental health literacy and community healing after exposure to collective trauma. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Florida State University and a Master of Public Health in Public Health Education from the University of South Florida. She also holds a graduate certificate in Translational Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health, which aims to bridge the gap between research and practice through implementation science.

Experience

1. Senior Research Analyst

   Child Trends

   Nov 2022 — Present

   Serves as a Senior Research Analyst for Black and Indigenous Children and Families to assist in achieving the Impact Plan’s goals for deepening and expanding applied research on Black and Indigenous children and families to promote their well-being. Works on multiple research and evaluation projects simultaneously as a task leader or project manager. Works both independently and as part of a team to write substantive reports, briefs, blogs, and memos, and other publications as required. Designs protocols for the collection of quantitative and/or qualitative data. Manages and contributes to data collection efforts, such as recruitment and screening of participants, conducting or assisting with interviews and focus groups, survey administration. Collaborates with colleagues to develop and implement qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods analytic plans (e.g, use of appropriate qualitative coding techniques; writing and applying code for data cleaning, descriptive analyses, and inferential statistics using statistical analysis software; integration of qualitative and quantitative results) and data management procedures. Supports outreach and engagement of partners for data collection and/or dissemination efforts. Manages the timeline, scope of work, budget, and workflow for assigned projects and tasks. Conducts literature reviews and syntheses. Assists with proposal development. Presents findings to clients and partners in public forums. Trains and supervises research assistants and support staff. Contributes to communications and dissemination efforts.

Education

• Florida State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Sociology

  2013 — 2016

• Apopka High School

  Medical Careers Magnet Program

  2009 — 2013

• University of South Florida

  Graduate Certificate, Translational Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health

  2020 — 2021

• University of South Florida

  Master of Public Health (MPH), Public Health Education

  2016 — 2018