The Richard & Harriet Young Research Lab is dedicated to producing rigorous behavioral research that advances knowledge of Arizona’s social and political landscape. Through hands-on analysis and public engagement, we equip motivated students with the skills and experience to make a positive contribution to our State.
Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Harriet Young’s late husband, Dr. Richard D. Young, the lab is committed to embedding in our students’ the spirit of public service and passionate inquiry, while encouraging them to be active contributors to the production and dissemination of knowledge. Through partnerships with scholars, advocates, and civic organizations, we strive to advance a deeper understanding of Arizona’s emerging communities.
Our Mission and Goals
Our mission is to be the central hub in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences where motivated undergraduate students develop their quantitative and qualitative research skills with rigorous hand–on training. We respond to two growing challenges at NAU, the emphasis of the scholar–teacher model of education, and the growing financial pressures students face to assess the value of their education as a return on investment (ROI). Our lab is inspired by the University’s commitment to providing students with transformational experiences while giving them opportunities to be 100% career-ready when they graduate. We aim to meet the challenges of today’s realities without losing sight of the traditional purpose of public education in the United States: fostering in our students the values of civic responsibility, intellectual growth, and the democratization of leadership.
Preparing Students for the Future
We seek community partners who contribute to research that serves the public good and helps shape future leaders of Arizona. As an engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of public impact, Northern Arizona University strives to transform Arizona’s economic, social, and political landscape through skill development, career preparation, and community building.
The Lab equips students with opportunities to develop skills to keep them competitive in today’s marketplace, including critical thinking, data analysis, project management, research design, and more.
- Advocacy
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Focus groups
- Policy Analysis
- Quantitative Analysis
- Research design
- Surveys
Students can build a portfolio of deliverables that demonstrate their skills to future employers and graduate programs. These skills pave the way for careers as legislative staff, policy analysts, nonprofit organizers, social advocates, survey researchers, and others.
- Legislative Staff
- Non-profits
- Organizer
- Political Consultant
- Policy Analyst
- Social Advocate
- Survey Researcher
Our community-building and development efforts span critical domains that matter to our students and to Arizona. The lab wants to attract students who have a passion to advocate for their community with the competent and responsible use of data analysis.
- Environment
- Economic Opportunity
- Education
- Energy
- Health Care
- Housing
- Immigration
- Public Safety
- Rural communities
- Transportation
- Voting