Dr. Ardith McGeown Plant
Executive Director
Room 201 Isbister
204-474-6407
Ardith.Plant@umanitoba.ca
Faculty of Arts
Centre for Social Science Research and Policy
The Centre for Social Science Research and Policy (CSSRP) serves as a focal point for research methodologies and policy-related activities in the social sciences. CSSRP offers expert research services and provides training and professional development in a variety of social science methodologies and approaches, including research design, data collection, modelling, analysis, knowledge translation and more.
What we offer
The CSSRP offers training and learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty and staff, the community and professional organizations. The Centre also provides expert research support services and sponsors speakers series designed to break down disciplinary silos and mobilize social science research to the wider community.
For more information on any of our offerings, or to be added to our mailing list, please email us at cssrp@umanitoba.ca.
Upcoming events
Qualitative Research workshop series
Looking to enhance your research skills? Join us for one or all of the sessions in this workshop series. The workshops are part of the CSSRP Letter of Accomplishment program, where you will earn a certificate upon completing all four sessions. Purchase your ticket separately for each session using the buttons below.
Save 20% when you register for all 4 Qualitative workshop series!
UM Students $320 - LOAQRPSTUDENT20
General Admission $640 - LOAQRPGEN20
If you have already completed 1 or 2 workshops? Contact Abigail.legaspi@umanitoba.ca
Introduction to Qualitative Research
September 29, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
This workshop, Introduction to Qualitative Research (CSSRP-QRM01), will include discussions on research design, options for using different research methods, and data collection and analysis.
Evaluation: Develop and submit an idea for a qualitative research topic.
Prerequisite: None
Ethics in Qualitative Research
October 06, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
Ethics in Qualitative Research (CSSRP-QRM02) will explore ethical guidelines, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest within qualitative research contexts.
Evaluation: Assessment of ethical considerations in qualitative research scenarios during the workshop.
Prerequisite: None
Developing and Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal
October 20, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
Developing and Writing Qualitative Research Proposals (CSSRP-QRM04) will guide participants in creating comprehensive qualitative research proposals, both for general research purposes and for applications aligned with Tri-Council funding requirements.
Evaluation: Develop and submit a qualitative research proposal for your proposed research topic completed in the first workshop, Introduction to Qualitative Research.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Qualitative Research and Ethics in Qualitative Research workshops.
Presenting Qualitative Analysis Results
October 27, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
Presenting Qualitative Analysis Results (CSSRP-QRM03) explores the differences between presenting qualitative and quantitative research findings. Using scenarios discussed during the workshop, participants will learn how to develop effective presentations of qualitative research, along with suggestions and recommendations for improvement.
Evaluation: Assessment of research presentations presented during the workshop.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Qualitative Research and Developing and Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal workshops.
Quantitative Research workshop series
Looking to enhance your research skills? Join us for one or all of the sessions in this workshop series. The workshops are part of the CSSRP Letter of Accomplishment program, where you will earn a certificate upon completing all four sessions. Purchase your ticket separately for each session using the buttons below.
Save 20% when you register for all 4 Quantitative workshop series!
UM Students $320 - LOAQRPSTUDENT20
General Admission $640 - LOAQRPGEN20
If you have already completed 1 or 2 workshops? Contact Abigail.legaspi@umanitoba.ca
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
with Steven Nuss
September 15, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
The Introduction to Statistical Literacy (CSSRP-QUANT01) workshop will build your essential skills in understanding and interpreting quantitative data in the social sciences. Participants will explore different types of data, conceptualization and operationalization, levels of measurement, causal inference, and measures of central tendency. The session also introduces basic principles of regression analysis, preparing learners for more advanced topics in future workshops.
Prerequisite: None
Survey Research Design
with Steven Nuss
September 22, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
In this interactive session, Survey Research Design (CSSRP-QUANT03), participants will explore the fundamentals of survey research design. The workshop introduces an overarching theory for thinking about the entire lifecycle of survey research, including sampling strategies, margins of error, question wording, and questionnaire construction. Participants will leave with a toolkit for designing reliable and valid surveys for research and evaluation purposes.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (CSSRP-QUANT01)
Basics of Regression Analysis
with Steven Nuss
September 29, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
The Basics of Regression Analysis (CSSRP-QUANT02) workshop provides a beginner-friendly introduction to regression analysis. Participants will gain theoretical and practical experience conducting and interpreting both simple and multiple regression techniques. Real-world examples will demonstrate how regression can support research, evaluation, and decision-making in the social sciences.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (CSSRP-QUANT01)
Data Visualization
with Jihad “Rosty” Othman
October 07, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: $100 for UM students/$200 for general admission
Register here
Telling Stories with Data! Introduction to Data Visualization (CSSRP-QUANT04) workshop introduces participants to the principles and practices of effective data visualization. Learn how to transform raw data into compelling charts and visuals, select appropriate graph types for different data sets, and avoid misleading representations. Ideal for researchers and professionals seeking to communicate findings clearly and impactfully.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (CSSRP-QUANT01)
Civic Education & Public Policy Events
Join the Centre for Social Science Research and Policy, in partnership with local community providers, for a free civic education session that explores how Canadian government and public policy work, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and meaningful ways to get involved in civic life. We are currently open to partnership opportunities for this initiative.
Canadian Politics and Government: Where do you fit in?
August 14, 2025
6:30 PM–7:30 PM (In Person at Munroe Library or Online via Zoom)
Ticket cost: FREE
Register here
Led by Dr. Royce Koop and Dr. Ardith McGeown Plant, this FREE session is designed for anyone curious about civic engagement. Learn how politics work and how you can get involved in politics —attend in person or join us online!
Pre-Electoral Forum
We host pre-election events featuring a panel of experts who provide accessible, non-partisan insights into the upcoming provincial election. These sessions are designed to help participants better understand the electoral process, party platforms, and key policy issues, with opportunities for questions and open discussion.
Next Forum: September 2026
Ticket Cost: Free
We welcome partnership opportunities! Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved.
Community Engagement
Bridging communities: Research, Action and Impact
September 12, 2025
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (In-Person)
UM Fort Garry Campus
Ticket Cost: FREE
Register here
Reconnect, recharge, and build new bridges with other organizations supporting the community. Whether you’re new to the sector or a longtime partner, this event offers a relaxed space to meet colleagues, exchange updates, and spark future collaborations.
Who we are
Staff
Executive Director
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.
Academic Director
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.
Researchers
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.
Community Engagement Coordinator
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.
Board and affiliates
Advisory Board
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
Research Affiliates (Faculty of Arts)
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.
Research Affiliates (other faculties/disciplines)
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.
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.
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.
Research Affiliate FAQ
- 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. - 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. - 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.
Research consultation and assistance
Services offered and fees
Our staff and affiliates have extensive experience with a number of different research methodologies and are able to assist with tasks including:
- Conceptualization/research design
- Instrument design
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Reporting
- Research mobilization
We are committed to community based research that can inform and shape policies, particularly focusing on people and populations that are often overlooked. We have strong relations with researchers who work with arts-based methods and Indigenous methodologies.
We provide methodological assistance to communities internal and external to UM with the objective of:
- Improving the quality of program implementation
- Promoting the collection and use of program impact data
- Fostering proactive planning for long-term program sustainability
Examples of services include:
- Sample and instrument design
- Assisting with database creation and translating the numbers into narratives
- Funding applications
- Ethics applications
- Formative or program evaluation
- Data analysis in quantitative and qualitative analyses
- One-off or ongoing consultation
Contact us for more information about CSSRP services offered and fees
News
Donations
CSSRP gratefully accepts donations from individuals, corporations and other organizations which help support its vision, goals and objectives. Donors will receive a receipt for income tax purposes.
Complete the form at the link below. In the "Direct my gift to" field, choose "Enter a fund name". In the "Enter a fund name" field, type "Centre for Social Science Research and Policy".
For more information on making a donation to CSSRP, please contact donor.relations@umanitoba.ca
Contact us
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Dr. Veronica Loureiro-Rodriguez
Academic Director
v.loureiro-rodriguez@umanitoba.ca -
Abigail Legaspi
Community Engagement Coordinator
Room 201 Isbister
204-474-8166
Abigail.legaspi@umanitoba.ca -
Arianna Snare
Office Assistant
306A Fletcher Argue
Phone: 204-474-6626
Arianna.Snare@umanitoba.ca
Centre for Social Science Research and Policy
Room 201 Isbister Building
183 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
204-474-6407