The Center for the Study of Local Issues (CSLI) at Anne Arundel Community College is an applied research unit dedicated to examining public opinion, conducting surveys and exploring community issues in Anne Arundel County and the surrounding region.

Through hands-on research opportunities, CSLI engages students in meaningful public opinion data collection experiences with county residents, community groups and local clients. Students learn about local and state issues such as the economy, education, crime, transportation, the environment and more by participating in research activities that include survey design, data collection, analysis and reporting.

These experiences help students strengthen their research skills, enhance their civic awareness and better understand how they can make a difference in their community. CSLI also provides valuable insights that inform policy decisions, support community organizations and encourage civic engagement among local stakeholders.

Our Mission

CSLI is committed to advancing understanding of local issues by promoting student research, encouraging faculty collaboration and supporting the needs of government and community organizations. Through data-driven research and analysis, CSLI helps guide effective decision-making and strengthen civic participation.

CSLI works to:

• Facilitate student research and civic engagement opportunities.
• Promote faculty collaboration across disciplines.
• Support government and community organizations with relevant research.
• Provide data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

What We Do

CSLI conducts research that connects academic expertise with real community needs.

Our work includes:

• Conducting public opinion surveys on local and regional topics
• Performing comprehensive data analysis and reporting for stakeholders
• Engaging students in real-world research experiences
• Supporting client projects for government agencies, nonprofits, schools and community groups
• Exploring issues that affect Anne Arundel County residents, including education, transportation, public safety, the economy and the environment

Student Opportunities

Students can get involved with CSLI and gain research experience by:

• Conducting analyses of twice-yearly surveys of county residents
• Participating in the CSLI Advisory Board (contact the director at ddnataf@aacc.edu for more information)

Our Impact

CSLI builds strong partnerships with local government, schools, nonprofits and community groups to ensure research findings translate into meaningful action. By connecting students, faculty and community partners, CSLI enhances the quality of public discourse and supports evidence-based solutions for Anne Arundel County. In addition, CSLI includes students as survey respondents, allowing the college to gain insights about their perceptions of the AACC – and how it might better serve students.

Services

CSLI offers research and evaluation services that help organizations better understand community needs, measure impact and make data-informed decisions.

• Survey Design and Administration: CSLI develops custom surveys and manages data collection to ensure reliable results that address specific community questions.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Our team interprets complex data and presents findings in clear, concise reports tailored to stakeholder needs.

Our Team

CSLI at Anne Arundel Community College is led by a dedicated team of faculty and staff who drive research excellence, foster student engagement and build strong partnerships with the community. Their collective expertise ensures CSLI delivers impactful, high-quality research and supports local initiatives.

Dan Nataf, Ph.D.
Director 
Email: ddnataf@aacc.edu
Phone: 410-777-2733

Dan Nataf, Ph.D., oversees all CSLI operations, guiding research design and outreach efforts. He works closely with community stakeholders to ensure projects address local needs and support informed decision-making.