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.
		Zig Ingraffia, B.A., Research Specialist, is a Calvin graduate with a major in Psychology. Zig offers research and project support for CSR clients.
		Traci Montgomery, B.S., Research Specialist, graduated from Calvin College, majoring in Mathematics and Geography. Traci works at CSR as a database administrator for various projects.
		Kristen Napp, B.A., B.S.W., Research Specialist, graduated from Calvin College, majoring in Spanish and Social Work. Kristen offers research and project support for CSR clients.
		Kathy Bardolph, B.A., Administrative Assistant, a Calvin English and German graduate, offers administrative, clerical, and project support to the Center.
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:
		Leah Hoogstra, a senior with majors in Mathematics and International Development, started working with us during the spring of 2012.
		Michael Kelly is a junior, studying Psychology and Writing, and he's been with us since May 2012.
		Melissa Lubbers is a senior majoring in Psychology and Social Work, interned with CSR during the spring semester of 2012 and is now a part of the research assistant team.
		Daniel Molling is a senior Economics major with minors in Mathematics and Business. This past summer Dan did full time research with Economics Professor Steve McMullen. In the future, Dan plans to attend graduate school in Economics.
		Shawntavia Stewart is a sophomore and in a pre-med program with concentrations in Kinesiology and Recreational Therapy.
		Lauren Muñoz studies Sociology and Spanish and is currently in her junior year. She plans to spend a semester in Peru in the Fall of 2013.