Centre for Social Science Research and Policy

Dr. Ardith McGeown Plant

As the Executive Director, Dr. Ardith McGeown Plant brings extensive work experience in public education and post-secondary education, with a focus on research and policy analysis, including leadership and management roles in the public sector and not-for-profit organizations.

Prior to joining the CSSRP, Ardith was a Senior Research Associate, Education and Skills with The Conference Board of Canada. She has also worked as a Consultant for the Commission on K-12 Education in Manitoba and a Researcher with the School Matters Project with the Manitoba Department of Education. In addition, Ardith serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Winnipeg, where she teaches courses in public administration, public policy and research design. 

Dr. Royce Koop
Political Studies

Dr. Royce Koop is a Professor in the Department of Political Studies and Coordinator of the Canadian Studies program. He joined CSSRP as Academic Director in 2021. Dr. Koop is a keen user of a range of methodologies in his research in Political Science, from participant observation, to interviews, to original surveys and statistical analysis. He also contributes to public discourse on policy issues in Manitoba and Canada through regular commentary in the media as well as analysis columns in the Winnipeg Free Press.

The position is held by a full-time faculty member with an established reputation in social science research methodology and policy development. The Academic Director is appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. The term of the Academic Director is normally five years, renewable. The roles and responsibilities of the Academic Director include, but are not limited to: overseeing all activities of the CSSRP; liaise with internal and external stakeholders; planning and budgeting of resources; coordinate with other administrators and leaders toward collaboration efforts especially in regard to training, professional development, and research initiatives; and develop educational courses/materials to meet Faculty curriculum goals.

Steven Nuss, Survey/Quantitative Researcher

In addition to his role with the CSSRP, Steven Nuss is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Steven’s research and teaching assistance focuses broadly on Canadian political behaviour and quantitative methodology. His co-authored research has appeared in ‘Politics, Groups and Identities.’ He is also a Consultant for Janet Brown Opinion Research in Calgary, Alberta. Beyond these roles, Steven has considerable experience and leadership in strategic policy development and federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) relations as a public servant; advocacy and government relations; and strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. Outside of the office, Steven is also a dog dad to two adorable dogs – a labradoodle, Piper; and sheepadoodle, Meredith. He’s an avid country music fan who loves to two-step with his partner, and continues attempts in fits and starts to learn the guitar, improve his golf game, and read more.

Jihad Othman, Quantitative Researcher

Jihad (Rosty) Othman is a Sociology Ph.D. student at the UM, Department of Sociology and Criminology. Rosty’s research and teaching focus broadly on immigration and refugee studies, anti-racism, human rights, health disparities, and research methods. Rosty has strong analytical skills using various quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition to his academic pursuits, he contributes to the community through training program evaluations with Winnipeg Social Enterprise, Manitoba, and Main Street Project on their harm reduction programs supporting those with mental health challenges stemming from trauma and oppression. His multifaceted experience reflects a commitment to addressing social issues and advocating for those in need.

Ryan Langridge

Ryan Langridge received his Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Manitoba (U of M) in 2022. He has a passion for research and is particularly interested in the brain and cognitive sciences. Ryan has experience in all stages of the research process, including the collection and quantitative analysis of diverse datasets. He has published his research in multiple high-impact peer-reviewed journals, including Frontiers in Psychology, Experimental Brain Research, and Human Movement Science.  In addition to his role with the CSSRP, Ryan is currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at the U of M in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, as well as in the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences).

Abigail Legaspi

Abigail Legaspi is a graduate of the Faculty of Human Ecology at the University of Manitoba and holds an MBA. With expertise in building meaningful relationships with diverse community groups, including Indigenous communities, Abigail excels in leading impactful outreach initiatives. Known for her exceptional organizational skills and her ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, she is a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her passion lies in fostering lasting community impact through meaningful engagement and collaboration.

In her role at the Centre for Social Sciences Research and Policy (CSSRP), Abigail assists the Director by organizing events and workshops, coordinating promotional strategies, engaging with community groups, and managing the Centre's social media presence.

The CSSRP Advisory Board provides consultations for the Academic Director on matters relating to the operation and governance of the CSSRP.

The board consists of nine faculty members appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Board members normally serve three years.

The composition of the committee reflects the diversity of the social sciences in the Faculty of Arts, not just with respect to its departments and units, but also to its research methodologies and perspectives.

Dr. Kathleen Buddle
Anthropology

Dr. Laura Funk
Sociology and Criminology

Dr. Danielle Gaucher
Psychology

Dr. Jesse Hajer
Economics/Labour Studies

Dr. Steve Lecce
Political Studies

Dr. Veronica Loureiro-Rodriguez
Linguistics

Dr. Gregory Mason
Economics

Dr. Melanie Soderstrom
Psychology

Dr. Lori Wilkinson
Sociology and Criminology

Laura Funk
Sociology and Criminology
Aging and social determinants; sociological and social gerontological expertise in paid and unpaid care work for older and dying persons; qualitative and interpretive methods. 

Roberta Woodgate
Sociology and Criminology
Psychology
College of Nursing
Addressing the needs and improving the well-being of underserved youth and their families undergoing challenging life events, including studies investigating the experiences and solutions for youth transitioning through vulnerable contexts. 

Royce Koop
Political Science
Representation and political parties; Observation, surveys, and interviews with elected officials and party activists. Recipient of Seymour Martin Lipset Best Book Award and John McMenemy Prize.

Emme Pijl
College of Nursing
Clinical and social value of harm reduction programs for people engaging in problematic substance use. Social policy and perspectives on harm reduction for substance use disorders, underlying values that predict a range of support for harm reduction interventions, qualitative and quantitative methods.

Rusty Souleymanov
Faculty of Social Work
Department of Community Health Sciences
HIV/AIDS community-based research; queer and trans men's health; racial, ethnic, and cultural disparities and health; critical social work and public health.

Ryan Langridge
Human Anatomy and Cell Science
College of Medicine
Faculty of Health Sciences
Application of quantitative statistical research methods with a focus on human behavior and cognition.

1. Can students become research affiliates?
   
   At this time, students do not qualify to become research affiliates. Student fees for all training programs and workshops are already discounted. If students wish to access Qualtrics, they must be sponsored by a faculty member who is a Research Affiliate.


2. Can non-UM faculty become a research affiliate?
   
   Yes! Non-UM faculty can become CSSRP research affiliates that are external to the University. External research affiliates, however, do not qualify for use of Qualtrics, but they enjoy all of the additional benefits of membership.


3. Can non-academic community members become research affiliates?
   
   Yes and No. Organizations can become community affiliates, but individuals without an academic affiliation cannot become members. There is an annual fee for membership, which is based on a sliding scale depending on the size of organization and whether it is a not-for-profit or for-profit organization. Email cssrp@umanitoba.ca for more information.