CSSI is excited to extend a warm welcome to two new staff members: Duhita Mahatmya and Gabriella Snyder. 

Duhita Mahatmya joined CSSI as a research design specialist, a role where she will provide research development and methodological support. She will help develop research proposals and offer analytic and reporting assistance to clients in collaboration with other CSSI staff.

Mahatmya will also help the CSSI research services team create responsive, accurate, and feasible cost estimates for current and prospective clients. Finally, Mahatmya will identify and address gaps in CSSI’s current research services, supporting the development of new interdisciplinary research initiatives at the Center. 

“I am inspired by and appreciate the opportunity to join the CSSI team. I’m excited to enhance the CSSI research services team’s capacity to provide comprehensive multi-method support to the university. I see many ways we can collaborate with different colleges to support and elevate interdisciplinary research proposals,” Mahatmya says.

Mahatmya, who holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University, also works as an associate research scientist in the College of Education’s Grants and Research Services Center. Since 2016, she has helped the College secure over 10 million dollars in external research funding. 

Gabriella Snyder joined CSSI as a communications coordinator, a position where she will create stories that celebrate the accomplishments and social science research from our researcher affiliates. She will also develop articles and press releases about CSSI’s programs and events.

Snyder will oversee an article series that covers recently published research from CSSI’s researcher affiliates. To read her first research spotlight, click here.

Snyder, who graduated from the University of Iowa with bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and biology, previously worked for the university’s Office of Strategic Communication. Snyder was also a 2023-2024 Latham Science Engagement fellow at the university, where she developed science communication and outreach skills.

“I am excited to join the CSSI team and help broadcast the important and meaningful social science research conducted by the faculty, staff, and students affiliated with the Center,” Snyder says.

CSSI director, Mark Berg, warmly welcomes both Snyder and Mahatmya, saying, “I am thrilled to welcome Duhita Mahatmya and Gabriella Snyder to our CSSI team. They both bring outstanding, relevant, and unique expertise to CSSI, which I am looking forward to seeing unfold in our upcoming projects and initiatives.”