Students

Student Experience at the CSCR

"The CSCR to me is the place to get your feet wet when it comes to quantitative research. Being on a SPSS-heavy project, I learned quickly what a career in data computing would look like. This office has taught me what I want to do with my degree, which I am grateful for."
-Shayna Gutcho, Class of 2019

"The CSCR has shaped my knowledge about research immensely. Working in the CSCR has helped improve my SPSS skills by having a lot of exposure to research but also having that one-on-one connection with the professors to help guide you along the way. To be confident when submitting a resume, and to be able to talk in-depth about all the things you learned, what skills you have, what you have done, and having the research experience to back it up... it's priceless."
-Melissa McKeldin, Class of 2019

"Working in the CSCR has been very beneficial and helpful in figuring out my own career ideas. Working as an intern for the CSCR has given me an idea on what pursuing a career in research could be like. The experience has made me feel more confident overall about what to expect in a professional setting by improving my time management, critical thinking and communication skills."
-Leah Besden, Class of 2018

"Working in the CSCR has been everything I wished for since I first started at Radford University. It has been so rewarding to work with the Sociology department on hands-on projects and applicable real-world problems.  I am confident about my abilities and I know I can talk to future employers about the things I have done here. I have gained a vast appreciation for working in groups on projects. It has taught me about communication in the workplace and what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself."
-Eileen Lagos, Class of 2018

"My work in the CSCR has shaped me to be a better sociologist. The CSCR has given me invaluable experience as a researcher, worker and as a leader in my time here allowing me to hone my skills and show off my abilities and experience on my resume."
-Sam Montana, Class of 2018

"While employed at the CSCR I used SPSS to organize, clean, and analyze thousands of surveys.  At CCS we work with a statewide database and my current position requires critical thinking, effective search techniques, computer knowledge and stress management.  During my interview at CCS I was asked whether I could multitask, work independently, and maintain confidentiality.  I was able to say 'yes' because of my time spent at the CSCR."
-Bianca Dickerson, Class of 2016
Contact Specialist
Council of Community Services

With a CSCR internship, Deryk Jackson had the opportunity to expand his methodological repertoire through his work on a qualitative research project.  His skills were so impressive that he was offered a job before graduation with the LGBT Life Center (formerly ACCESS AIDS Care) in Norfolk.  Deryk is managing all grant and contract budgets, reporting trends, and projecting future expenses to fully utilize grant funding.  Recently, Norfolk's Mayor Alexander appointed Deryk to a planning council where he is responsible for analyzing Ryan White grant services and utilization across the grant region.
-Deryk Jackson, Class of 2015

"The CSCR gave me a great foundation of technology, theory, and practice that boosted my confidence and resume.  I produced research reports from raw survey data, provided support for classes, and helped others in the Sociology department with their research needs, all while working closely with the faculty.  Many classes I took were supported by the CSCR, such as Survey Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, and Sociology Practicum (SOCY 493).  Through an internship at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum, I was introduced to community-based research, grant writing, interviewing, and many more great experiences; after graduation I was hired as the museum's Collections Administrator, which has been a fantastic start to my post-college adventures.  The CSCR continues to help facilitate the success of many students, and I am grateful to have been one of them!"
-Kasey Campbell, Class of 2014
Collections Administrator
Wilderness Road Regional Museum

During her CSCR internship, Heather Wright worked on a research project with a Faculty Associate.  "My experiences at the CSCR afforded the research proficiency to join the Computing Research Association in Washington, DC upon graduation," she said.  Heather works in the CRA's Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline, managing a large national survey data collection initiative examining computer science degree programs across North America.  She also maintains all IRB protocols and relationships with department liaisons, programs surveys and leads program evaluations, and she has published in academic journals, conference proceedings, and other outlets.
-Heather Wright, Class of 2013
Research Associate
Computing Research Association

"The Center for Social and Cultural Research allowed me to get hands on experience in a real life working enviroment while allowing me to explore all aspects of the research process outside of a classroom setting. My time spent at the CSCR allowed me to bolster my resume while also creating the first stepping stones for the career path I am on now."
-Cameron James Bennett-Hattan, Class of 2012
Research Assistant
CoStar Group

"They [the folks at RTI, International] were all incredibly impressed by the amount of experience that I had in the CSCR and on my own project. Nearly everyone that interviewed me said that we must have a phenonmenal department (which we do)!"
-Caitie Hennessy, Class of 2011
Public Health Analyst,
RTI International

"Working with the CSCR was a huge benefit to me when I was in the research classes because I was already familiar with some of the terminology, sotfware, and layouts of research reports."
-Amy Dove, Class of 2011
Counselor Education Masters
Virginia Tech