Our Mission and Goals<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cstart-up costs\u201d of training students in real-world skills\u2014like data analysis, public communication, and client relations\u2014while helping faculty conduct research more efficiently. We aim to create a new model of learning that meets today\u2019s realities without losing sight of education\u2019s deeper purpose: civic responsibility, intellectual growth, and leadership development.<\/p>\n
Preparing Students for the Future<\/h2>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/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 build a portfolio of skills to impress future employers and graduate schools. These skills pave the way for careers as legislative staff, policy analysts, nonprofit organizers, social advocates, survey researchers, and many 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 want to advocate for their community through 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 build a portfolio of skills to impress future employers and graduate schools. These skills pave the way for careers as legislative staff, policy analysts, nonprofit organizers, social advocates, survey researchers, and many 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 want to advocate for their community through 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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