Daniel Roberts, PhD

Berkeley’s sociology program basically threw me into the deep end of mixed-methods research, and I’ve been helping other students navigate those same choppy waters ever since. Seven years later, I still get excited about turning messy research questions into clean, defensible studies.

My PhD focused on urban sociology with heavy emphasis on community-based participatory research. Since then, I’ve expanded into adjacent fields – Social Work, Public Health, Education, Anthropology, and Environmental Studies. What ties it all together is my love for research design and helping students figure out the best way to actually answer their questions.

I’ve guided over 290 students through various stages of their research journey. Some come to me with data but no clue what it means. Others have beautiful theory but can’t figure out how to test it. My job is meeting people where they are and helping them get where they need to go.

My strength areas include qualitative data analysis (Atlas.ti, NVivo), survey methodology, interview techniques, and community engagement strategies. I’m also solid with basic statistics and can help you decide whether you need a t-test or something more sophisticated. ASA, APA, and Chicago styles are all comfortable territory for me.

What students appreciate most is my no-BS approach to feedback. I’ll celebrate your wins and point out problems, but I’ll always give you specific next steps. The academic world has enough vague criticism – you need actionable advice that moves your work forward.

My 95% success rate comes from treating each project as unique. Cookie-cutter approaches don’t work when every research question is different. I adapt my coaching style to match how you think and learn best.

When I’m not working, I’m usually hiking somewhere in the Bay Area, trying new coffee shops, or playing pickup basketball. I also volunteer with a local homeless services organization – it keeps me grounded in why community research actually matters