Erin Dobbins

Erin Dobbins is currently employed in the Survey Research Division at RTI International, an independent nonprofit that provides research and technical services to diverse clients. Situated in the Research Triangle Park, RTI International aims to "improve the human condition by turning knowledge into practice." RTI has produced research for cancer treatments, sustainable energy solutions, and more.

Erin's role in the Survey Research Division is to provide a variety of research solutions to clients by designing and implementing surveys. The SRD is highly methods focused, providing the complicated statistical methodology that clients are not equipped to provide themselves. "It is not everyone's cup of tea," says Erin, "some people miss the focus on substantive research questions (as opposed to methodological research questions), but I have found it to be a great fit."

Currently, Erin is involved in three projects for the Health Surveys and Registries work group at the SRD. Two of these projects are a part of the Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Services program, which measures and quantifies consumer experiences with healthcare. Erin is specifically working on projects regarding in-center hemodialysis and outpatient and ambulatory surgery. She is also working on a survey project for the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium, an organization that provides neurotrauma research for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Alongside these projects, Erin is also continuing to pursue her academic interests. She is currently working on revising her master's thesis for publication as a part of the SRD's mentoring program. In addition, she is continuing to further her education by attending workshops and classes related to survey design and implementation. In the near future she plans to enroll in the Survey Methodology Graduate Certificate Program at UNC's Odum Institute.

Erin Dobbins