Dr. Cooper is a methodological expert in program evaluation and survey research, with over 30 years of experience leading community-engaged, applied public health research. Her work centers on evaluating evidence-based, community-centered health interventions, public policy impact, and health-protective behaviors through innovative mixed-methods approaches, population-level surveillance, and outcomes research.

A champion for community voice, Dr. Cooper’s expertise in evidence-based, theory-driven evaluation shapes novel initiatives that directly inform program design and implementation. Through her work in progressive tobacco cessation evaluation, chronic disease prevention, and community-led interventions, she continues to foster enduring, culturally grounded health behavior change.

 As a strategic leader, Dr. Cooper facilitates evaluation and capacity-building activities with over 100 community-based partners across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region. She provides scientific and technical consultation, fostering deep collaborative relationships with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), local health agencies, and diverse research groups to successfully translate empirical evidence into sustainable systems change.