Our Mission and Goals<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cstart-up costs\u201d of training students in real-world skills\u2014like data analysis, public communication, and client relations\u2014while equipping students across campus with the skills they need to contribute to faculty-led research. We aim to meet the challenges of today\u2019s realities without losing sight of education\u2019s deeper purpose: civic responsibility, intellectual growth, and the democratization of leadership.<\/p>\n
Preparing Students for the Future<\/h2>\n
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\u2019s economic, social, and political landscape through skill development, career preparation, and community building.<\/p>\n\n
Skills development Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n \n\nThe RDY Lab equips students with opportunities to develop skills<\/a> to keep them competitive in today’s marketplace, including critical thinking, data analysis, project management, research design, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n \n\n- Advocacy<\/span><\/li>\n
- Critical thinking<\/span><\/li>\n
- Data analysis<\/span><\/li>\n
- Project management<\/span><\/li>\n
- Focus groups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n
\n- Policy Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n
- Quantitative Analysis<\/span><\/li>\n
- Research design<\/span><\/li>\n
- Surveys<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n
Career preparation Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n \n\nStudents 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.<\/p>\n
\n\n \n\n- Legislative Staff<\/span><\/li>\n
- Non-profits<\/span><\/li>\n
- Organizer<\/span><\/li>\n
- Political Consultant<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n
\n- Policy Analyst<\/span><\/li>\n
- Social Advocate<\/span><\/li>\n
- Survey Researcher<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n
Community building Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n \n\nOur 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.<\/p>\n
\n\n \n\n- Environment<\/span><\/li>\n
- Economic Opportunity<\/span><\/li>\n
- Education<\/span><\/li>\n
- Energy<\/span><\/li>\n
- Health Care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n
\n- Housing<\/span><\/li>\n
- Immigration<\/span><\/li>\n
- Public Safety<\/span><\/li>\n
- Rural communities<\/span><\/li>\n
- Transportation<\/span><\/li>\n
- Voting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Please visit our Research<\/a> page to see how you may be able to partner with us.<\/p>\n\n
The RDY Lab equips students with opportunities to develop skills<\/a> to keep them competitive in today’s marketplace, including critical thinking, data analysis, project management, research design, and more.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Please visit our Research<\/a> page to see how you may be able to partner with us.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Career preparation Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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Community building Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/258\/2025\/04\/NAU_Foundation_ctr_282_3514-300x121.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"