Research for the Advancement of Social Science
Our researchers are engaged in studies that impact the lives of Americans, including adults, children, youth, and families.
Research for the Advancement of Social Science
Our studies are wide ranging from the use of technology in the classroom to equitable access to health services to fostering learning about the effects of supported employment for individuals with serious mental illness.
Research for the Advancement of Social Science
Staff have advanced academic degrees and the subject-area and methodological expertise necessary to solve today's research challenges.
The Rockville Institute for the Advancement of Social Science is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the social sciences by performing research and disseminating research findings to the public.
The Institute fulfills our mission using a variety of client focused approaches, including:
The Rockville Institute has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable, tax-exempt organization.
Our Focus Area
Our Focus Area
- Community Health and Health Care
- Behavioral Health
- Homelessness and Housing
- Education Practice and Policy
- Criminal Justice & Violence Prevention
- Employment & Training
- Transportation
- Equity and Race
- Native American Issues
Our Capablities
Our Capablities
- Evaluation and Learning
- Instrument Design and Development
- Quantitative, Quantitative, and Mixed-Methods Research
- Data Collection and Survey Research
- Statistical Analyses
- Reporting, Briefing, Data Visualizations
- Dissemination of Findings to Target Audiences
Debra J. Rog, PhD, President of the Rockville Institute, is an internationally recognized expert in evaluation and applied social research methodology, homelessness, housing, and mental health. She has particularly expertise in evaluability assessment, mixed methods studies, and multi-site designs. She has served as Principal Investigator or Project Director on numerous evaluation projects in the areas of poverty, social determinants of health and heath equity, homelessness, housing for vulnerable populations, violence and trauma prevention, and mental health services. She has provided methodological and subject-matter expertise for studies funded by clients such as the Administration for Children and Families at HHS, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Center for Mental Health Services at HHS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Hilton Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.
Education:- PhD, Social Psychology, Vanderbilt University
- MS, Social Psychology, Kent State University
- BS, Psychology, American International College
Mountford, MBA, Vice President and Treasurer of the Rockville Institute, has extensive experience in accounting and financial management covering such topics as accounting, auditing, contract administration, employee benefit plans, financial reporting, financial planning, purchasing, risk management, taxes, and treasury management. She has direct experience working with a broad range of entities, including private, public, for profit and not for profit. During her career, Ms. Mountford has had the pleasure to volunteer with organizations providing support to individuals with special needs. Mountford currently serves as President of the Board for SEEC, a Montgomery County, Maryland, nonprofit agency that provides individualized, community-based supports to individuals with developmental disabilities to help them live lives of their choosing. Ms. Mountford is currently licensed as a Maryland Certified Public Accountant.
Education:- MBA, Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School
- BS, Accounting, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business
Scott Cody, MA, Vice President and Secretary, joined the Rockville Institute in January 2023. Mr. Cody, a nationally recognized expert in evidence-based decision-making, is known for his innovative approaches to program evaluation and program improvement, and his ability to translate complex evidence into clear, actionable intelligence. His methodological expertise includes experimental and nonexperimental evaluation design, machine learning, microsimulation, rapid process improvement, and systematic reviews. As Westat's Human Services Sector Lead, Mr. Cody provides leadership in strategic planning and implementation as well as general oversight of two practices — social policy and economics research, and education studies.
Education:- MA, Public Policy, Johns Hopkins University
- BA, Economics, College of Wooster