SESRC employee receives scholarship for survey research

Kristen Petersen
Kristen Petersen

By Karen Hunt, Office of Research

Kristen Petersen, data manager for Washington State University’s Social and Economic Sciences Research Center (SESRC), has received the 2019 John Tarnai Memorial Scholarship from the Association of Academic Survey Research Organizations (AASRO). The John Tarnai Memorial Scholarship is named after former AASRO President and former WSU SESRC director John Tarnai. Petersen is one of two recipients of the scholarship this year.

The John Tarnai Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding individuals who strengthen academic survey research organizations across the country. The fund also supports training and mentoring of the next generation of survey researchers. Since 2012, scholarships have been awarded annually to select staff members of academic survey organizations for expenses associated with attending the annual meetings of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the International Field Directors and Field Technologies Conference (IFD&FTC).

The scholarship recognizes Petersen’s outstanding early career achievements and provides support for pursuing a long-term career in survey research. Since joining the SESRC in 2017, she has benefitted SESRC and its staff with her experience in computer programming and statistical analysis.

“Kristen is committed to advancing the goals, mission, stability, and longevity of our survey organization,” said Rose Krebill-Prather, assistant director of the SESRC. “Kristen’s team spirit has come through on multiple occasions in her willingness to help any SESRC staff or to assist with any project.”

Petersen has worked on a number of research projects, including the Gettysburg National Military Park visitor survey and annual surveys for the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), which includes the statewide survey for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Uniform Reporting System (URS).

“While working on the HCA project, Kristen efficiently generated 300 provider level reports within about 45 minutes,” Krebill-Prather said. “Previously, ways for producing multiple provider level reports were cumbersome, inefficient, and much more time consuming. She has impressed us with her skill and ability to streamline the reports, making the process more efficient.”

The SESRC has been serving the WSU research community for over 40 years. Former WSU President Glenn Terrell identified a need for the campus to gather accurate and reliable information on the current attitudes and opinions of university faculty, staff and students. The Social Research Center (SRC) was established in 1970 and included a Public Opinion Laboratory located in Cleveland Hall. In 1984, the Board of Regents broadened its scope, changing the name to the SESRC. The SESRC annually completes 60-75 projects, employs 150-300 students, presents workshops, and regularly publishes the results of research conducted by its staff.

In March 2008, the leaders of over forty academic survey research organizations agreed to join together to form a new association of organizations. The AASRO was developed with a vision to be recognized as a leading voice in the support and promotion of excellence in survey research conducted in academic settings. The AASRO became a formal organization in May 2008.

Throughout his career, Tarnai served as a committed member and contributor to meetings of AAPOR and IFD&FTC. He recognized these gatherings as far more than just opportunities to share one’s latest research accomplishments. Tarnai persuaded WSU’s SESRC to provide funding support for various staff besides faculty to attend either AAPOR or Field Directors conferences because he believed that when they returned they would better understand and contribute to the survey work in which they were engaged. In 2012, the AASRO continued Tarnai’s legacy through the establishment of the John Tarnai Memorial Scholarship.

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