Dr. Vandecar-Burdin has served as the Associate Director of the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) since its inception in 1998 and is responsible for the administration, development, and implementation of social science research grants and contracts. Dr. Vandecar-Burdin collaborates with university faculty, health and human service professionals, and other individuals, groups, and businesses to determine research needs and provide assistance for applying specific methodologies. She regularly carries out and oversees various research activities including: designing and managing surveys instruments (mail, telephone, web-based), developing sampling plans and methodologies, organizing and managing survey data collection, facilitating focus groups, analyzing focus group and other qualitative data, and organizing various research and evaluation planning meetings. She oversees the annual Life in Hampton Roads telephone survey that has collected data about the quality of life in the region since 2010. Her research interests include nursing home policy, changes in research methods, and issues surrounding the mentally ill and the criminal justice system. Dr. Vandecar-Burdin earned her Master of Arts in Applied Sociology with a certificate in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University as well as a PhD in Public Administration and Urban Policy.
