NSPARC has a mission to expand the reach of the university to policymakers, industry, and the public. We use smart data, analytical techniques, and high technology to make a difference, such as explaining education outcomes, helping Mississippi attract new businesses, and connecting job seekers to employment opportunities. NSPARC bases its innovative solutions on academic research from an ever-growing number of fields and always keeps an eye on the big picture.
NSPARC’s staff includes an executive team as well as university professors, data analysts, software developers, technical writers, IT professionals, and many others to provide the appropriate expertise for a wide variety of projects and innovative solutions.
Dr. Parisi is a Professor of Sociology and Executive Director of NSPARC. Dr. Parisi is also the Executive Director of the State Longitudinal Data System State Data Clearinghouse. He received his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Parisi is a nationally and internationally recognized applied demographer. He represents the 21st century scholar with a focus on restructuring the role of social scientists beyond their academic pursuits to become problem solvers for public policy, economic development, and social problems that affect individuals and societies. Under Dr. Parisi’s leadership, nSPARC brings together expertise that focuses on the advance of methods and analytical techniques to transform "big data" into “smart data” raising the theoretical and empirical understanding of how individuals, groups, and society think and behave. Dr. Parisi’s work has appeared in top journals in his field, including American Sociological Review, Demography, Social Forces, Social Problems, Rural Sociology, and Social Science Quarterly.
Dr. Taquino is a Deputy Executive Director and an associate research professor at NSPARC. His responsibilities include oversight of the entire applied science aspect of the center. Dr. Taquino has also published in top journals in his field including American Sociological Review, Demography, Social Forces, Social Problems, Rural Sociology, and Social Science Quarterly. He is an upcoming scholar in demography and applied social sciences.
Dr. Grice is a Deputy Executive Director and an associate research professor at NSPARC. His responsibilities include supporting the center in planning, organizing, and directing center programs and activities; conducting research; ensuring that operational procedures are efficient and aligned with protocols, standards, and goals; managing personnel; and developing staff. Dr. Grice has also published in top journals in his field including Demography, Social Forces, Social Problems, Rural Sociology, and Social Science Quarterly.
Mr. Duclos is a Deputy Executive Director at NSPARC. His responsibilities include oversight of system design and development and data integration for practical applications in government enterprise.
NSPARC scientists and technicians produce peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and web applications, including web sites, interactive technology such as kiosks, and mobile phone applications. Explore examples of our works below. Contact us to learn more about research and solutions or to find out what we can do for you.
NSPARC offers flexible research and development services to meet the specific needs of its partners. The center follows Mississippi State’s Responsible Conduct of Research plan, which requires researchers to conduct excellent research responsibly and ethically to gain public trust, and NSPARC provides state-of-the-art protection for the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive data. Contact us if you have any questions.
We’d like to hear from you. Contact NSPARC by phone or by e-mail. Messages can be sent below.
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Phone: (662) 325-9242
Fax: (662) 325-1310
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