Staff Spotlight: Tania Jordanova, CFRI Research Coordinator
Learn more about Tania Jordanova, CFRI Research Coordinator!
Describe in your own words what you do at UTCFRI:
I am a research coordinator at UTCFRI. This entails a variety of things, such as communicating with funders and project participants, designing survey instruments, conducting interviews, analyzing data, writing reports and creating infographics. It is a fun job because it involves so many different pieces.
What is the most exciting or rewarding thing about your work at UTCFRI?
I am currently working on two research projects, one is for DFPS and the other is for DARS. I have been lucky in that for both I get to travel across Texas to learn about child maltreatment prevention efforts and service needs of individuals with disabilities. It is exciting and rewarding for me to be able to meet, talk to, and learn from people in different communities.
What have you gained from working at UTCFRI?
In terms of skills, I have gained great experience in qualitative research methods and survey design. I have also gained wonderful, supportive and knowledgeable colleagues who provide great advice and encouragement.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
I was bitten by the travel bug at the age of five, when my family moved from Bulgaria to the U.S. Since then, I have lived in eight states, traveled to over 25 countries and have been to 6 of the 7 continents. I also hope to visit all of the U.S. National Parks in my lifetime. So far, some of my favorites have been Canyonlands National Park in Utah and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.
What is the best book you ever read?
I can’t answer that question exactly, but in elementary school, one of my favorite books was Julie of the Wolves. In high school, one of my favorite books was Desert Solitaire. I think it’s interesting that these books correspond with the two National Parks I listed above as being some of my favorites.
What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to be outdoors, whether it’s jogging, hiking, or just sitting at an outdoor patio of a coffee shop reading a book or talking with friends.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
While I don’t know what my autobiography would be called, I have always wanted to put together a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories. One possible title would be: What Smells like Gym Locker? And other mostly true tales. Alternatively, it could be called: Near Death at Grasmere, and other poorly planned adventures.
In the upcoming months, our social media platforms and the CFRI blog will be highlighting the staff and students of CFRI. Get to know us and learn more about the passionate people behind the quality research that is used to guide policy and social work practice created and developed by The Child & Family Research Institute. #meetCFRI