All NAU Political Science students are welcome to join the lab. The RDY Lab was created to give motivated students the opportunity to get hands on experience doing quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Ideally, the lab is looking for sophomore-level students so that you have enough time to develop your skills and interests under the guidance of the lab.
The lab has a rotation of data collection research projects in the field, providing up to date behavioral data on several political and social issues. The lab is also a working research hub modeled after professional consultant services that our Director provides in the private sector. If you are curious what a professional consultant does, you can learn this in the lab.
What you will do: Baseline research skills
Joining the lab will give you access to real data that you can use to work on your own research interests. Every student who works with the lab will develop the basic skills to do quantitative research and communicate your research findings in an academic and public intellectual setting. Each lab researcher will learn how to use R/RStudio, LaTeX, and Zotero by training with Dr. Stephen Nuño and through collaboration with the other student researchers.
What you can do: Explore your interests
Basic skills in quantitative analysis and writing is a must, but once you start developing those skills, you can develop other skills through the lab, including data visualization, social media, public communications, and fundraising. While everyone needs to learn the basics of quantitative analysis, the lab is in constant need of those with specialized skills using other programs, such as WordPress, Microsoft Power BI, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Python, CapCut, and Canva.
Requirements
In order to work with the lab there are a few things you need to do.
– Get CITI Certified. Go to the CITI Website and get an account. It’s free. Complete the Human Subjects Research (Basic Course) module and the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) module. Print out the CITI certificates and send a copy to the lab.
– Go to the Overleaf website and sign up for a free account.
– Go to the Zotero website and sign up for a free account.
– Install R and RStudio on to your personal computer or laptop.
– Create a personal website using Google Sites or Canva. You can see an example of a student’s personal website here.
– Write a personal biography. You can see a sample biography here.
– Read and sign the RDY Lab Data Agreement and send your signed copy to the lab.
Benefits
– Once you demonstrate the basic skills, the lab has internship opportunities that can satisfy your Experience of Difference requirement.
– The lab has paid positions available for experienced students that can work on projects that are developed through the lab.
– Your completed work will serve as a “calling card” where you can produce potential employers with a portfolio of professional-quality work that you can use after you graduate.