“This role blends my experience in higher education and my passion for research,” says Josh.
SoundRocket recently welcomed Josh Patterson, Ph.D., to its Higher Education research team.
“The higher education research space has always been a core business at SoundRocket,” says Founder and Chief Vision Officer Scott D. Crawford. “From the very first data collection, the Student Life Survey at the University of Michigan, we have been engaged in conducting surveys of college students, staff, and faculty.”
SoundRocket has seen an increased demand for campus climate surveys, including surveys about diversity, equity, and inclusion; sexual misconduct; mental health and alcohol and drug use; and other general higher education program evaluation work. The company’s Higher Education team knew it needed someone who understood the difficulties of research but could also hit the ground running. Josh was the perfect fit at the right time.
“We needed an exceptional individual for this role,” says Scott. “The team wanted someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and substantive involvement in higher education research to complement our methodological expertise. Josh stood out with his unique experience in both quantitative and qualitative methodology.”
Josh earned his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. His dissertation focused on how public colleges and universities decide on curricula and which degrees to offer. Josh said he was drawn to the social aspect of public institutions being extensions of state governments.
“From my undergraduate to graduate experiences, I understand what it’s like to want outside resources to help you interview people, collect data, incorporate the data into your study, so you have the time to concentrate on the theory,” says Josh.
“At SoundRocket, we focus on the mechanics of a study for the researcher. Our study services are invaluable for a busy academic.”
SoundRocket has served the academic research community for many years and higher education researchers were natural partners to further their mission of sound social science. Those partnerships helped build the expertise that SoundRocket offers, exemplified in projects like the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership, the National Study of Living-Learning Programs, and the Healthy Minds Study, and partnerships continue on with other projects like SoundRocket’s climate survey offerings.
Let SoundRocket add to your toolbox
Josh remembers his graduate work involved building up a giant “toolbox” of skills and knowledge. Josh has designed and executed his own studies with qualitative and quantitative data. He also has experience translating survey data to implications for practice.
“Through the years, I picked up a bunch of research methods and related experiences. I felt very empowered, but my toolbox was still missing certain applications,” he says. “SoundRocket’s team of study experts empowers researchers even more. We work behind the scenes and support researchers in their academic efforts.” Now as a part of the SoundRocket team, Josh is excited about the combination of skills and knowledge they can offer to potential collaborators. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn, or follow along on Twitter @theJoshPhd and @SoundRocket.