The Demographics Research Group produces the official annual population estimates for Virginia and its localities; conducts practical and policy-oriented analysis of census and demographic data under contract; and communicates rigorous research and its policy implications to clients including state and local governments, employers, non-profit organizations, and the general public, through meaningful, intuitive publications, and presentations.
We Can Help with Your Project
Our professionals conduct custom-designed research and provide consulting services under contract for a wide variety of clients. Working in close communication with you, our group will develop a scope of work and an estimated cost to complete the project. Our researchers have advanced proficiency in:
- formulating clear research questions that direct study toward strategic and actionable data
- statistical analysis of data sets of all sizes and types
- producing clear results and recommendations
- preparing and presenting accessible, easy-to-grasp data visualizations and reports
- working with governments at the state, local, and federal levels
- serving the needs of private companies and non-profit agencies and organization to understand and meet the needs of clients and customers
If you have a project request for us please contact us with your inquiry.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Keenly aware of population growth and its impact on the earth’s natural resources, the Demographics Research Group demonstrates its commitment to sustainable living through green workplace practices that promote respect and care for the environment and community.
In 2015, the Demographics Research Group achieved gold certification through the University of Virginia’s Green Workplace Program by making a variety of changes to our day-to-day practices at work. For example, to reduce energy usage, we have adjusted computer and printer settings, and to encourage our group to be more thoughtful about material consumption, we removed trash bins from our offices, maintain a compost container for food scraps, and design office events to be zero waste. In order to demonstrate our commitment to the environment to the broader University community, we have also adopted a sustainability vision statement, completed UVa’s sustainable literacy training, and actively participate in UVa’s Sustainability Partners program.
Qian Cai
Director, Demographics Research Group
E-Mail: qian.cai@virginia.edu
Phone: (434) 982-5581
Qian Cai (pronounced “chien tsai”) is director of the Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of population statistics, and national reputation in applied demography, Qian oversees the group’s data production and research, ensures top quality publications and client service, and maintains an ambitious agenda for improving population data for Virginia and the nation. A native of China, Qian received a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in demography, both from Peking University. She received a Ph.D. in sociology from Brown University.
Meredith Gunter
Director of Outreach
E-Mail: meredith.gunter@virginia.edu
Phone: (434) 982-5585
Meredith Strohm Gunter serves currently as Interim Director of the Cooper Center, having come from the Center’s Demographics Research Group working in outreach and communications. Prior experience includes policy development in state government, with a particular interest in international relations, and senior leadership in several institutions of higher education.
Hamilton Lombard
Research & Policy Analyst
E-Mail: hamilton.lombard@virginia.edu
Phone: (434) 982-5698
Hamilton Lombard is a research specialist for the Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. His expertise is in demographic change, particularly the different components of population growth and decline, population estimates, school enrollment projections, and the effect of government policy on population patterns. Hamilton has worked in local and regional planning in Virginia and the United Kingdom. He earned his B.A. in History and B.S. in Planning from the University of Virginia.
Shonel Sen
Research & Policy Analyst
E-Mail: shonel.sen@virginia.edu
Phone: (434) 982-5861
Shonel Sen is a Research and Policy Analyst for the Demographics Research Group. She has a strong background in Regional Economics, Population Studies and Public Policy with training in theoretical modeling and quantitative analysis. Her interdisciplinary research interests bring together elements from the fields of Economic Development, Components of Population Change, Behavioral Incentives and Environmental Sustainability. Shonel received her B.A and M.A. in Economics from India and the Dual-Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Demography at Pennsylvania State University.
Amy Muldoon
Project Manager
E-Mail: amy.muldoon@virginia.edu
Phone: (434) 982-0812
Amy Muldoon is the coordinator for the Demographics Research Group at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. In 2010, Amy moved from Ann Arbor, Michigan where she worked at the University of Michigan as an academic advisor in the liberal arts college. She has experience designing websites, building and maintaining databases, and managing various college programs and projects. She earned her B.A. in Professional Writing from Miami University (OH) and her M.A. in English from the University of Toledo.
Kathryn Piper Crespin
Research & Policy Analyst
E-Mail: kep9k@virginia.edu
Phone: (434) 982-5582
Kathryn Piper Crespin is a Research and Policy Analyst for the Demographics Research Group. She enjoys writing about demography, and her training and interests include population forecasting as well as analysis, mapping, and visualization of population data. Prior to joining the Demographics Research Group, she worked as an epidemiologist for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Utah Department of Health. Kathryn earned her B.A. in English from Georgetown University and her M.S. in Demography from Florida State University.
| First Name | Last Name | Job Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qian | Cai | Director | qian.cai@virginia.edu | 434-982-5581 |
| Kathryn | Crespin | Research & Policy Analyst | kep9k@virginia.edu | 434-982-5582 |
| Hamilton | Lombard | Research & Policy Analyst | hamilton.lombard@virginia.edu | 434-982-5698 |
| Amy | Muldoon | Project Manager | ajm6u@virginia.edu | 434-982-0812 |
| Shonel | Sen | Research & Policy Analyst | ss4xr@virginia.edu | 434-982-5861 |