Our Mission
The Ramos Research Institute is committed to conducting original research, polling, and policy analysis on the most pressing problems of our time. Our mission is to provide actionable insights and policy recommendations to tackle these wicked problems and create a better future for all.
We believe that research is a vital tool to drive positive change in the world. Our team of researchers and analysts work together to identify key issues and develop innovative solutions. We specialize in original research, polling, and policy analysis and focus on areas such as education policy, higher education, climate change, sustainable development, and voting behaviors. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world through our research and initiatives. Join us in our mission to create a better future for all.
Our Current Projects
1
The Great Realignment
​This project explores over five decades of Hispanic voting behavior in the United States, tracing patterns from 1972 through the 2022 midterms. Using Pew Research data, fourteen presidential and two midterm exit polls, and qualitative insights into national-origin differences, the project challenges the idea that Hispanic voters are a monolithic bloc. By combining historical analysis, case studies, and narrative storytelling, the work examines how migration histories, regional dynamics, and socioeconomic factors are shaping an ongoing realignment of Hispanic voters within the American political landscape.
2
The Courageous Dialogue Project
This initiative investigates how campus free-speech environments influence perceptions of cancel culture and political polarization. By analyzing survey data alongside national campus free-speech rankings, the project identifies patterns in how students at different institutions view freedom of expression. Building on this research, the team is developing the Courageous Dialogue Module, a toolkit with facilitator guides, role-play scenarios, and simple assessment rubrics designed to help students engage across differences and build a culture of constructive accountability.
3
CivicSpark: The EngageU Project
CivicSpark is designed to strengthen campus democracy through peer-led initiatives. At its center is the Student Engagement Playbook, a practical guide for organizing low-barrier activities like “Politics & Pizza” socials, service-learning partnerships, and engagement fairs that tap into existing student networks. The project also produces a Policy Brief: Student-Driven Civic Learning, featuring key findings, an infographic, and a checklist for embedding civic micro-modules into first-year seminars, residence halls, and student organizations. Together, these tools provide both the “how” and the “why” of fostering an active, connected campus community.
4
CEF Activation
The Citizenship Empowerment Framework (CEF) is moving from research into practice through this activation initiative. Working with partner campuses, the project focuses on embedding CEF’s nonpartisan civic learning modules into existing programs. Efforts include organizing launch events, developing tailored policy briefs, and creating systems for ongoing evaluation. By translating research insights into hands-on workshops, campus policies, and sustainable programming, the project ensures that CEF becomes a lasting resource for strengthening student civic knowledge and engagement.
