The Pew Research Center, a distinguished non-profit "fact tank" that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world, operates as a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its principal funder. This detailed acknowledgment of contributions underscores a commitment to transparency and highlights the extensive, multi-faceted nature of the research process. The recent report, stemming from this collaborative spirit, represents the culmination of significant intellectual and methodological effort, involving a dedicated team of researchers, analysts, methodologists, editors, designers, and communications specialists. The full spectrum of this work can be explored further at the Pew Research Center’s dedicated religion section online, accessible at pewresearch.org/religion.
The Architects of Insight: Primary Researchers and Their Vision
At the forefront of this endeavor were Senior Researcher Jonathan Evans and Research Analyst Manolo Corichi. Their leadership in conceptualizing and executing the core research questions laid the foundation for the entire project. Their roles, while distinct, are intrinsically linked, with Evans likely guiding the overarching strategic direction and analytical framework, while Corichi provided critical data analysis and interpretation. This duo, through their combined expertise, would have been instrumental in shaping the narrative and conclusions presented in the final report. The depth of their contribution is often reflected in the primary findings and the nuanced perspectives offered on complex subjects.
A Symphony of Expertise: The Broader Research Team
The extensive research team assembled for this report is a testament to the scale and complexity of the issues investigated. This group, encompassing a wide array of roles from senior researchers to research assistants, collectively gathered, processed, and interpreted vast amounts of data. Their contributions, though perhaps less visible than those of the primary researchers, are indispensable to the integrity and comprehensiveness of the final output.
Becka A. Alper and Gregory A. Smith, as Senior Researchers and Associate Directors within the Religion Research division respectively, likely played pivotal roles in overseeing multiple facets of the research process. Their experience would have been crucial in ensuring methodological rigor and analytical depth. The presence of Alan Cooperman, Director of Religion Research, signifies the strategic importance and institutional backing of this specific area of study within the Pew Research Center. His oversight ensures that the research aligns with the Center’s broader mission of providing objective and reliable information.
The Research Analysts – including Laura Clancy, Sneha Gubbala, Jordan Lippert, and William Miner – are the backbone of data-driven research. They meticulously sift through survey data, demographic trends, and existing literature, transforming raw information into actionable insights. Their analytical skills are vital for identifying patterns, correlations, and significant shifts in the landscape being studied.
Research Associates such as Moira Fagan, Kirsten Lesage, Jonathan Schulman, Maria Smerkovich, Chip Rotolo, and Patricia Tevington contribute at various stages, often specializing in specific research areas or contributing to the literature review and data validation. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise enrich the analytical process.
The crucial support provided by Research Assistants – Julia Armeli, Sofia Hernandez Ramones, Asta Kallo, and Andrew Prozorovsky – cannot be overstated. They are instrumental in data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis, freeing up the more senior members of the team to focus on higher-level interpretation and strategic thinking.
The inclusion of Besheer Mohamed as a Principal Researcher indicates a significant contribution, potentially leading a specific sub-project or bringing a unique area of expertise to bear. Similarly, Jacob Poushter and Laura Silver, Associate Directors within Global Attitudes Research, suggest that the report may incorporate international perspectives or comparative data, broadening the scope of the findings. Richard Wike, Director of Global Attitudes Research, further reinforces the potential for a global dimension to the report, underscoring Pew’s commitment to understanding diverse populations and their attitudes.
The Foundation of Credibility: The Methods Team
The integrity of any research report hinges on the robustness of its methodology. The dedicated Methods Team, led by Courtney Kennedy, Vice President of Methods and Innovation, ensures that Pew Research Center’s work adheres to the highest standards of scientific inquiry. Kennedy’s leadership in "Methods and Innovation" suggests a forward-thinking approach to research design and data collection.
Ashley Amaya, Associate Director of Survey Methods, and her team – including Research Methodologists Anna Brown and Arnold Lau, International Research Methodologists Carolyn Lau and Sofi Sinozich, and Principal Methodologist Andrew Mercer – are responsible for designing surveys, sampling strategies, and ensuring the reliability and validity of the data collected. Their expertise is critical in translating complex research questions into measurable data points.
The presence of Patrick Moynihan, Associate Director of International Research Methods, and Georgina Pizzolitto, International Research Methodologist, further highlights the potential for cross-cultural research and the application of specialized techniques for global data analysis. Senior Panel Manager Dorene Asare-Marfo and Associate Panel Manager Dana Popky are vital for the effective management of survey panels, a key component of longitudinal research and understanding evolving trends over time.
Refining the Message: Editorial and Graphic Design
The translation of complex research findings into clear, accessible, and impactful communication is the domain of the Editorial and Graphic Design teams. David Kent, Senior Editorial Specialist, ensures that the written content is precise, coherent, and adheres to journalistic standards. Bill Webster, Senior Information Graphics Designer, is responsible for transforming data into compelling visual narratives through charts, graphs, and infographics, making intricate findings understandable to a broader audience.
Disseminating Knowledge: Communications and Web Publishing
The final stage of bringing research to the public involves effective communication and digital dissemination. Justine Coleman, Associate Digital Producer, Maya Pottiger, Communications Associate, and Hannah Taber, Communications Manager, work to ensure that the report reaches its intended audience through various online platforms and media channels. Their efforts are crucial in maximizing the impact and reach of the Pew Research Center’s work, making vital information accessible and engaging.
Broader Contributions and Institutional Support
Beyond the named individuals, the report acknowledges the contributions of others at the Center, including Jocelyn Kiley, indicating a collaborative environment where insights from various departments can converge. The mention of former staff members, such as Janell Fetterolf, Christine Huang, Justin Nortey, and Kelsey Jo Starr, highlights the ongoing legacy and the enduring impact of individuals who have contributed to the Center’s research over time. This comprehensive list of contributors is not merely a formality; it is a declaration of the meticulous, team-based approach that underpins the Pew Research Center’s reputation for producing authoritative and trustworthy analyses on critical societal issues. The depth of talent and dedication involved in such projects underscores the Center’s commitment to providing evidence-based insights that can inform public discourse and policy.
