Research Assistants

  1. Shaun Carrigan, Student Research Assistant

    cedintern2@csuchico.edu

    Shaun Carrigan grew up in Laguna Hills, CA and graduated from Laguna Hills High School in 2003. He moved with his family to Magalia, CA in the summer of 2003. He currently lives in Chico, CA with his wife, Krista Carrigan. He received his AA in social and behavioral studies from Butte College and then transferred to California State University, Chico (CSUC) during spring 2008. He will be graduating with his BA in economics and minor in computer science in spring 2011. He has a background in programming and is an A+ certified computer technician. He currently manages the Department of Economics Web site and assists the department chair, Frederica Shockley, as a technology consultant. Prior to working at the Center for Economic Development (CED), Carrigan worked at the Associated Students ComputerWorks at CSUC bookstore for two years selling Apple computers and solving technical problems. Carrigan began work at CED in March 2010 as a research assistant with the responsibility of data research and analysis for the 2010-2011 profile series and applied research projects. His goals at CED are to become experienced with geographic information systems (ArcGIS) to solve real life problems and to experience working on applied research projects pertaining to economic development. When Carrigan is not working, he enjoys volunteering at his local church, Calvary Chapel Chico, and outdoor activities such as basketball, hiking, rock climbing, skateboarding, walking, surfing, wakeboarding and barbecuing.

  2. Jonny Clark, Student Research Assistant

    ced-sbdcintern@csuchico.edu

    Jonny Clark grew up in different places ranging from Newport, RI to San Diego, CA. Earning an Associate of Science degree in computer science from Mendocino Community College in the summer of 2005, he is currently working on getting his Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems at California State University, Chico (CSUC). Clark started at the Center for Economic Development in February 2010, and supports the CED and Northeastern California Small Business Development Center (NECSBDC) staff with technical issues. Reporting to the Information Technology-Project Specialist on various IT projects, Clark currently is cleaning up a complex database of client information, Help Desk assistance, and is in charge of producing the monthly NECSBDC newsletter. Clark has gained valuable experience on how computers function in a business environment. Outside of work he likes to fix computers, play video games and spend time with his wife, Alicia. 

  3. Brittney Doty, Student Research Assistant/ Student Marketer

    ced1@csuchico.edu

    Brittney Doty grew up in Manteca, Ca. and graduated from Sierra High School in 2006. She attended Arizona State University on an athletic and academic scholarship for women’s soccer. She transferred to Chico in January 2008 and played for the women’s soccer team. Brittney is a senior at California State University, Chico, working toward her Business-Marketing degree. Doty joined the Center for Economic Development in April 2009 as the Marketing Coordinator and student-research assistant. She is involved in the promotion and sponsorship of the Annual Economic and Demographic Profile Series, manages the CED monthly newsletter, designs CED’s graphics and marketing materials, and promotes CED through the latest social media.. As her career at the Center continues, Doty hopes to continue her knowledge and skills in Marketing to help CED grow, and to acquire sponsorship of the Annual Economic and Demographic Profile Series for all 58 California counties. She has a passion for interacting with people and her sports-derived competitiveness lead her to pursue Marketing. She has valued her time at CED because she has had the opportunity to learn and grow in her Marketing major in a hands-on experience in the business world. When not in the office, Doty enjoys the outdoors and activities such as running, hiking, soccer, spending time at the beach, and traveling.

  4. Marcy McCormick, Student Research Assistant

    cedintern3@csuchico.edu

    Marcy McCormick spent her freshman year at the University of California, San Diego, and decided to return to her hometown to complete her undergraduate degree at California State University, Chico. Ultimately choosing economics, McCormick intends to graduate in May 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She has been working as a Research Assistant at the Center for Economic Development (CED) since March of 2010, concentrating on producing the 2010-11 Economic and Demographic Profile Series, completing technical assistance and market intelligence requests, and compiling data for grant applications. In addition, McCormick acts as the office’s Social Events Coordinator, planning gatherings to promote collaboration and cohesion in and out of the workplace. From her position here, she hopes to gain experience and connections she can build on for the rest of her career. When she’s not working, Marcy spends her time at dog shows, playing roller derby, or enjoying Chico’s many attractions.

  5. Melissa Smith, Student Research Assistant

    cedintern1@csuchico.edu

    Melissa Smith was raised in the town of Rancho Peñasquitos, located in the northeastern part of San Diego County. Academically, she began her education at California State University, Chico in August 2006, majoring in course work emphasizing the fields of environmental and international studies as well as financial services and financial management respectively. She is pursuing her final year of studies towards her dual major in economics and finance. Upon completion of her studies at CSU, Chico, she plans to attain her master’s degree in the fields of international finance and economics. Smith joined the CED in March 2010 as student research analyst. As a research analyst, Smith engages in a plethora of tasks including compilation and dissemination of economic and demographic data for the Northern California 2010-2011 profile series. Her responsibilities also include utilizing computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArcGIS to provide technical assistance for communities in Northern California. As a whole, her work contributes to economic development for the 23-county service area in the north state. Her experience at CED will add tremendous value to her academic and professional career. Outside of work, Smith enjoys hobbies including reading, painting, and cross country running.

  7. Tom Whitcomb, Student Research Assistant

    cedresearch3@csuchico.edu

    Tom Whitcomb is a student researcher in his second year at the CED. Tom grew up in Escondido, Ca., located in the northern part of San Diego County. He began his studies at California State University, Chico in the fall of 2005 and recently completed his bachelor’s degree in History with an option in social science credential, as well as completing a minor in Geography. Currently, he is applying to Chico State’s teaching credential program, whereupon completion he will become a high school social science teacher. Whitcomb was hired by the CED in January of 2009. At the CED, he is involved in a variety of tasks including enterprise zone applications, impact analysis, and work on the CED’s own county profiles series. He has also become proficient at utilizing the map making program Arc GIS, which has a wide range of uses in the realm of economic development and understanding. Throughout his 5 years at Chico State, Whitcomb participated in the college’s Cross Country and Track programs earning All Conference awards in both sports, serving as the Team Captain his final year. In his spare time, he runs upwards of 90 miles a week, enjoying every minute of it.