The Richard D. Young 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. Richard Young, the lab is committed to embedding Arizona’s rich historical context into passionate inquiry, while encouraging students 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 a central data collection and analysis hub on campus that trains undergraduate students to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis using methods that stand up to academic rigor. The work we train our students to do will be a repository of insight for the community and for policymakers seeking in-depth and insightful scholarship that enhances our understanding of Arizona’s civic culture.
We respond to two growing challenges in higher education: shrinking institutional support for research and growing financial pressure on students. A systemic disconnect has emerged as our system increasingly evaluates the quality of education through the lens of return on investment and research faculty remain tied to the demands of peer-reviewed publishing. Our lab bridges this gap by covering the “start-up costs” of training students in real-world skills—like data analysis, public communication, and client relations—while equipping students across campus with the skills they need to contribute to faculty-led research. We aim to meet the challenges of today’s realities without losing sight of education’s deeper purpose: civic responsibility, intellectual growth, and the democratization of leadership.
Preparing Students for the Future
Partnering with us means contributing 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.
Skills development Accordion Closed
The RDY 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
Career preparation Accordion Closed
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
Community building Accordion Closed
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
Please visit our Research page to see how you may be able to partner with us.