Dr. Michelle Shumate

Professor

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Biography

Michelle Shumate is a Professor and Delaney Family University Research Professor at Northwestern University in the School of Communication. Her recent research focuses on Systems Care, which involves designing networks to connect help-seekers with benefits, programs, and services offered by government and nonprofit organizations. Her work, funded by the Army Research Office, has evaluated 11 Coordinated Service Delivery Systems, analyzing outcomes from more than 10,000 service episodes to assess the relative effectiveness of the networks. Additionally, she completed a statewide scan of Coordinated Service Delivery Systems in Pennsylvania, documenting design and analytics differences across 25 systems. Currently, her research aims to help Systems Care determine the right referrals for help-seekers to enhance long-term well-being. As the founding director of the Network for Nonprofit Social Impact, she explores how government and nonprofit networks can be optimized for maximum social impact. Shumate is the author of 'Networks for Social Impact' published in 2022 and has received recognition for her work from the National Science Foundation, which awarded her a CAREER award. Her research has been funded by prestigious institutions including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her contributions have been featured in notable publications such as Nonprofit Quarterly and Stanford Social Innovation. In addition to her academic work, she offers workshops and consulting through Social Impact Network Consulting.

Research Interests

Awards

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Career Award

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Beckman Fellow

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.