The Richard D. Young Lab at NAU

The Richard D. Young Lab at Northern Arizona University 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 students with the skills and experience to become leaders who make positive contributions in a changing world.

The RDY Lab, inspired by the legacy of Dr. Richard Young represents a commitment to embedding Arizona’s rich historical context into passionate inquiry, while engaging students as 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 through innovative, community-engaged inquiry.

Our Mission and Goals

Our mission is to be a central data collection and analysis hub on campus to train undergraduate students to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis using methods that stand up to academic rigor using data that is relevant and current to emerging issues in Arizona. 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 development. We follow a narrative that centers our focus on Arizona’s complex historical landscape, leading to more informed policy making decisions.

The RDY Lab responds to two growing challenges in higher education: shrinking institutional support for research and rising financial pressure on students. As students increasingly view education through the lens of return on investment, and faculty remain tied to the demands of peer-reviewed publishing, a disconnect has emerged. Our lab bridges that gap by covering the “start-up costs” of training students in real-world skills—like data analysis, public communication, and client relations—while helping faculty conduct research more efficiently. We aim to create a new model of learning that meets today’s realities without losing sight of education’s deeper purpose: civic responsibility, intellectual growth, and leadership development.

Preparing Students for the Future

Partnering with us means contributing to research that serves the public good and helps shape the future leaders of Arizona. As an engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of public impact, Northern Arizona University is at the forefront of transforming Arizona’s economic, social, and political landscape through skill development, career preparation, and community building. Below is our operationalization of how we seek to prepare our students.

Please visit our Research page to see how you may be able to partner with us.