Pearl Avari, Ph.D.

Dr. Pearl Avari is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Kansas Center for Community Health and Development. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Sciences with a focus on Early Childhood from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her work centers on community-engaged research, participatory evaluation, health equity, and the social factors influencing child, family, and community well-being.

At the Center, Dr. Avari supports a diverse portfolio of research, training, assessment, planning, and evaluation initiatives. Her current work includes providing participatory evaluation and data-use support for maternal and child health programs across Kansas, as well as collaborating with El Centro, Inc. on a statewide evaluation effort.

Dr. Avari has extensive experience leading and contributing to funded research and evaluation projects, including a multi-year, NIH-funded community-based intervention. Her work emphasizes emotional and mental well-being, youth development, community engagement, and systems-level change in underserved communities. She has led mixed-methods, participatory community needs assessments; partnered with state health departments; delivered trainings and workshops; and taught courses in psychology and human development.

Her methodological expertise includes qualitative and quantitative analysis, report writing, manuscript development, and grant writing. Dr. Avari is committed to translating research and evaluation findings into actionable recommendations that support community partners, funders, and public health stakeholders.