After working with the Social Science Institute for Research, Education and Policy (SSIREP) as an executive board member, Julie Keller, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Rhode Island, has been appointed its new director. The opportunity to apply for the position came during last spring semester and Keller excitedly took the chance to take over the role from former director Shanna Pearson-Markowitz and expand on what she was able to accomplish for the institute. “It’s been really exciting because the position as director really allows me to work connections across departments in a way that is just different from the work I typically do as a professor,” said Keller. “As director, you’re really focused on what this institute can offer to social scientists, and how we might come together and form partnerships, research collaborations.”

SSIREP is a campus-wide consortium that brings together strong campus units representing a wide range of disciplines. The institute encourages research and outreach projects that use novel, social science approaches to solving societal, political and policy problems or that facilitate student success in the social sciences. Prior to taking on the director position, Keller had participated in the University’s COVID-19 talks that social scientists put together, solicited by Pearson-Markowitz. Keller said the talks showed her the power of what SSIREP offers for faculty and students and doing community outreach. 

In her own research, Keller engages in qualitative methods and is “really eager” to work with board members on hosting different workshops for faculty interested in “beefing up their skills in qualitative methods.” Another development Keller has brought to the position comes in the form of a complementary working paper series called the Field to Table Series, which “opens up the door” for faculty to present their work in a different way. It’s an addition to their successful Faculty Working Paper Series where the faculty can share a paper draft of their study and get feedback on it. This new series will give faculty members the opportunity to share their data prior to having a draft written up. 

Kellers is “excited” about the future of SSIREP and the opportunities this new appointment provides her, including working with the board to develop their strategic plan and strengthen their current collaborations on campus as well as beyond campus. “One thing that I’m really excited about doing as director is just strengthening our communications,” said Keller. “And that means having a bigger presence on social media.” Keller is currently working on creating social media platforms for the community to be able to keep up with SSIREP and all they do with Shawn Fennell, who is a research assistant and second year’s master’s student in international relations. She said this will primarily be done through Twitter and it should be set up soon. For now, communication is done through an email list with SSIREP’s affiliates, but if you’re interested in being a part of that list or want to receive updates from the institute, Keller can be reached at jckeller@uri.edu.

~Written by Kayla Laguerre-Lewis