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 Manitoba, where she teaches courses in public policy, research design and education policy in Canada. 

Dr. Verónica Loureiro-Rodríguez
Department of Linguistics

Dr. Verónica Loureiro-Rodríguez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics. Her research explores how individual traits and macro-level factors, such as language planning and policy, shape language attitudes and usage, particularly in multilingual and minority-language communities. She has conducted and supervised numerous research projects using qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, questionnaires) and quantitative experimental approaches. In her previous administrative roles, including Director of first-year Spanish language programs at the University of Tennessee and Texas A&M University and Graduate Chair of Linguistics at the University of Manitoba, she collaborated closely with students and faculty across a range of disciplines.

Dr. Loureiro-Rodríguez is passionate about mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers and is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments.

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. candidate at the University of Manitoba, Department of Sociology and Criminology. Rosty’s research and teaching focus on immigration and refugee studies from a life course perspective, health disparities, and research methods. Rosty has experience in data analysis and research design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. He contributes to community organizations by giving presentations on professional development skills and program evaluations. Additionally, he is passionate about addressing social issues in Winnipeg communities and advocating for those in need, including newcomers, those who are experiencing homeless, addictions and mental health issues. 

Maria Rodrigo-Tamarit, Mixed Methods Researcher

Maria Rodrigo-Tamarit is a PhD candidate in the Department of Linguistics. Her research explores bilingual individuals and communities. For her doctoral thesis, she focuses on social factors that may influence how bilinguals process their languages. Her research is therefore interdisciplinary, combining the areas of sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics. In addition to her own research projects, which she has presented in several national and international conferences, she has worked as a research assistant for a number of professors, in several fields (e.g. linguistics, history, literature) and using different quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition to research, she is passionate about teaching and brings this passion to every lecture and presentation she delivers. As events coordinator for the graduate students in her department, she also strives to build a sense of community and connect with other students. 

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.

Kjell Anderson
Faculty of Law

Dr. Kathleen Buddle
Anthropology, Faculty of Arts

Frank Deer
Faculty of Education

Jesse Hajer
Economics/Labour Studies, Faculty of Arts

Royce Koop
Political Science, Faculty of Arts

Greg Mason
Economics, Faculty of Arts

Brent Pruden (Student Member)
Political Science, Faculty of Arts

Lori Wilkinson
Sociology and Criminology, Faculty of Arts

James Young
Computer Science, Faculty of Science

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. 

Rosty Othman (PhD candidate)
Sociology and Criminology
Research and teaching focus broadly on mental health disparities, immigration and refugee studies. Strong analytical skills using various quantitative and qualitative research methods.

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.

Christine Mayor
Faculty of Social Work
Community collaboration to conduct research that challenges racist and traumatizing conditions, advances policies, practices, and education for collective healing and justice. Employs arts to inspire new thinking, conduct research, promote healing, and express complex ideas.

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.

Roberta Woodgate
Sociology and Criminology
College of Nursing
Addressing the needs and improving the well-being of underserved youth and their families undergoing challenging life events, studies investigating experiences and solutions for youth transitioning through vulnerable contexts. Integrated knowledge mobilization; qualitative and arts-based methods. Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Child, Youth, and Family Engagement in Health Research and Healthcare.

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.