Radford University
Center for Social and Cultural Research
Our mission at the Center for Social and Cultural Research (CSCR): giving students experience in providing sociological knowledge and skills, as well as a professional identity as practicing sociologists; offering social research services for University, community and regional needs; supporting opportunities for scholarly research among the Sociology faculty.
We look forward to working with future community and university partners.
Quick Links
Get Involved with the CSCR
The Center for Social and Cultural Research at Radford University provides students with experience through internships, independent studies and work study positions by applying sociological knowledge and skills, as well as fostering a professional identity as practicing Sociologists.
Along with access to the CSCR computer lab, library and equipment, the CSCR can offer many benefits including applied research experience, ethics training, as well as specialized research training in the form of webinars, on campus trainings and more.
Student involvement is coordinated by the Director of the CSCR, Dr. Morgan Montañez. Inquiries about working for the CSCR should be directed to Dr. Montañez.
The CSCR Staff
At the CSCR we have a team of undergraduate Research Assistants who gain hands-on experience conducting Sociological Research. These research assistants partake in a number of tasks including data management, data entry, data reports and some data analysis, transcription, basic ArcGIS mapping, and qualitative coding. Additionally, each spring we have at least one CSCR Internship. This student works closely with a faculty mentor on an existing project.
Meet the Staff: Olivia Houck
Olivia Houck is the head research assistant for the 2024-2025 academic year. They have worked at the CSCR for five consecutive semesters on a variety of different projects. Current work consists of co-authorship on an academic research paper focused on Food Insecurity on College Campuses with two Sociology professors. Olivia has also extended this research into an individual research project, analyzing how the built environment affects collegiate food insecurity. Olivia has also assisted with data collection and analysis, transcription, conducting initial background research, tutoring students on research methods and techniques, and citation and referencing. Olivia has gained experience using programs such as SPSS and Dedoose. Olivia is an active member of the Sociology department in addition to their work at the CSCR and is also the department’s senior ambassador. Olivia anticipates graduation in spring 2025 with a BS in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
What the CSCR means to me:
The CSCR has been a road to making connections with all sociological thinking at Radford. I have had the opportunity to make contacts with all the Sociology professors here at Radford as well as many of the students. The support and guidance provided through the CSCR is one that is unique to Radford. I am not sure how my undergraduate experience would have gone without working at the CSCR because it has been such a fundamental aspect to my experience and education here at Radford University. I have not only made connections, but I have had opportunities I never thought I would have such as presenting my own research at the National American Sociological Association conference in Montreal, Canada.
Meet the Staff: Jodi Allen
Jodi Allen (they/them) is a Sociology major with a Music Performance minor. As a senior, they have worked for 3+ years in the CSCR, and in that time have had the opportunity to work on several projects that supplemented their sociological studies. These include survey development and distribution, data collection and analysis monitoring pollution levels in the New River Valley, campus food insecurity research, mentoring students with research and class assignments, transcription work, and more. Through the CSCR, they have also been able to connect with faculty of the Sociology Department and their peer researchers. Jodi anticipates graduation in spring 2025 with a BS in Sociology.
What the CSCR means to me:
The CSCR has been my second home the entire time I’ve been at Radford, and I don’t mean that lightly. I’ve deeply connected with my peers and other students, and it’s become the ultimate safe space with the Sociology Department right next door, always popping in to see what we’re up to. As a research assistant, I’ve gotten the chance to develop vital skills useful for when I graduate and later further my education! After I find myself somewhere new after Radford, I’ll look back on my time in the CSCR as one worthy of remembering.
Meet the Staff: Hailey Whorley
Hailey Whorley is a senior in the sociology department, minoring in professional writing, and joined the CSCR in October of 2024. Hailey is a first-generation student with plans of obtaining a post-graduate education, concentrating in cultural sociology. She has previously researched Collegiate Food Insecurity using mixed methodologies under the advisement of Dr. Allison Wisecup and is currently collaborating with her peers on another mixed methods study, primarily using ethnographic methods. Her previous research extends beyond sociology to African American studies, women and gender studies, and psychology. With her professional writing minor, she has the skills and ability to design, develop, and edit technical and professional documents. Outside of academic research, Hailey has experience with other fields of research and document development through previous work in Environmental health and safety.
What the CSCR means to me:
I am excited to be working with the Center for Social and Cultural Research for many reasons, primarily the opportunity to build and develop necessary skills to further my research abilities. In my previous work, I developed strong skills in data analysis, technical writing, and research. I was responsible for analyzing data and conducting tests of lab equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of laboratory personnel. Through the CSCR I also aim to diversify my research experience and further understand the process of data collection and publication. I believe that the CSCR will allow me to sharpen my critical thinking skills, formulating research questions, designing studies, and analyzing results in order to produce quality research. I am open-minded and focused on collaboration and new developments in my field.
Meet the Staff: Aega Legesse
Aega Legesse (he/him) is a senior majoring in Sociology and will be interning for the CSCR at Radford University. He will have opportunities to work on several projects that cater to his sociological studies. These include gaining professional research experience working in a social science research lab, gaining experience in data analysis and data entry using SPSS and R in a meaningful way to report findings, and establishing professional connections with other students. He also has experience learning cyber security, working with Javascript, and learning about Linux. Aega is set to graduate in the spring of 2025.
Meet the Staff: Hannah Lucas
Hannah Lucas (she/her) is a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice anticipating graduation in spring 2025. She is currently an intern research assistant at the Center for Social and Cultural Research. During her time at the CSCR, she has been working on data collection and analysis on Virginia’s Department of Social Services project, 2-1-1 Virginia. Her academic journey has equipped her with extensive experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including advanced statistical analysis, data visualization, and mixed-methods research design. Her research portfolio spans critical social issues, including a comprehensive study of food insecurity in the rural southern United States and an analysis of racial disparities within the criminal justice system. She also has contributed to projects examining mass incarceration, intersectionality, and community resource accessibility through her work with 2-1-1 Virginia. With a strong statistical background, she has proficiency in various research and analytical tools, including SPSS for statistical analysis, Python for data visualization, and Dedoose for qualitative data analysis. Her goal is to leverage data analytics to inform evidence-based policy solutions that address systemic inequalities in our justice system and society at large.