Center for Social Research

Meet the CSR

Origin

The Calvin College Center for Social Research (CSR) was created by the Calvin Department of Sociology in 1970 in response to increasing numbers of faculty requests for research assistance. Since then, the CSR has grown into an independent center, supporting all of the social science departments of Calvin College as well as the broader community. Throughout its history, CSR's top priorities have been to promote excellence in research, both on campus and in the community.

Mission

The Center for Social Research aims to serve as a catalyst for scholarly research in the social sciences. Through research we seek to be agents of renewal in the academy, church, and society.

Commitments

• Research: promote basic and applied research of the highest quality by encouragement, example, and engagement with the college’s social science community.
• Partnership: undertake collaborative and community-based research with scholars, organizations, and institutions at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Faculty Development: enhance the scholarly community in social sciences at Calvin College.
• Student Involvement: provide opportunities for students to develop their research skills in a mentoring environment.

Staff
		Neil Carlson, Ph.D., Director, received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University in 2004 and served as Assistant Director of the CSR from 2004 to 2011. He supports design of social research projects from the big questions to the technological nuts and bolts, including project management and budgeting, instrument design, database design, data visualization, statistical analysis, report writing and interactive presentation of study data. Curriculum Vitae (PDF).
		Tom Sherwood, B.S.W., Research Associate, graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Social Work. He works as a supervisor for the student staff and is responsible for project implementation.
		Nathan Mosurinjohn, B.A., Research Specialist, is a graduate of Calvin College with a degree in Geography and International Development. He works at CSR as a GIS analyst and database administrator for various projects.
		Kathy Bardolph, B.A., Administrative Assistant, a Calvin English and German graduate, offers administrative, clerical, and project support to the Center.
		Zig Ingraffia, B.A., Graduate Research Assistant, is a Calvin graduate with a major in Psychology and a minor in English. Zig offers research and project support for CSR clients.
Student Staff Team: The Student Research Assistants are comprised of a team of Calvin students who are constantly being trained in new research tools and practices. Currently, we have six students on our team:
		Tony Ditta is a senior Economics and Mathematics double major. Over this summer, he worked on an economic modeling project that he will continue working on this school year.
		Kelsey McCallops is a junior Psychology major, with plans to pursue further schooling in physical therapy.
		Daniel Molling is a junior Economics major with minors in Math and Business. Dan enjoys reading economics blogs and is considering graduate school in economics after graduation.
		Kristen Napp is a senior Social Work and Spanish double major.
		Traci Montgomery is a senior Mathematics and Geography double major, with a minor in Urban Studies.