Dulanda Saintcyr (B.A.’23) took the first steps of her career path in the lecture halls of the College of Humanities and Sciences. A double major in African American studies and political science, Saintcyr developed a passion for the curriculums’ core skill: research. Now a senior research associate at Hart Research, Saintcyr’s work draws inspiration from the teachings of VCU mentors like Grace D. Gipson, Ph.D., and Sombo Muzata, Ph.D.

Saintcyr originally joined the Washington D.C.-based firm as a research associate a few months after graduating in May 2023. Since then, she has earned a promotion into her senior role conducting public opinion research which included work for the NAACP.

What drew you to VCU to study African American studies and political science?

I decided to attend VCU (almost) last minute. 

In the fall of 2019, I applied to numerous schools in addition to VCU, and had my heart set on one particular institution. It was hard to see myself anywhere else. As months flew by and decisions came in, I found myself facing a reality familiar to so many people who embark on pursuing a higher education: coming up with a way to pay for it. I knew federal aid wouldn’t be my saving grace, so I relied on my academic and extracurricular portfolio. I applied for countless merit-based scholarships, even as the world shifted course due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While I won several scholarships, enough to be highlighted in my high school’s virtual senior award ceremony, it still wasn’t enough. I also initially had plans to attend law school upon completing my undergraduate studies, and it didn’t make sense for me to acquire a large amount of student loan debt so early in my studies. In the end, enrolling in my “dream school” was no longer in the cards for me.

So, I submitted my enrollment deposit to VCU. It was the most affordable school I applied to, but I still wanted to reduce the amount I’d need to take out in loans to attend. This is when my achievements saved the day once again. I appealed the merit scholarship VCU previously offered me, and received $20,000 more. I still have the email from VCU Admissions scholarship coordinator Kittinun Wongsirikul notifying me.

VCU may not have been where 17-year-old Dulanda saw herself attending, but 24-year-old Dulanda is thankful that’s where she ended up. 

Was there a faculty member that made a particular impact on your education and/or career journey? How so?

There are four faculty members I’d like to give flowers to in no particular order: Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D., Grace D. Gipson, Ph.D., Clyde Ledbetter, Jr., Ph.D., and Sombo Muzata, Ph.D. They each encouraged critical thinking and productive dialogue in their respective courses, two skills that are important now more than ever. I especially want to highlight Dr. Gipson’s capstone seminar in Africana studies and Dr. Muzata’s research methods in political science which inspired me to pursue a career in research.

What was it about those classes taught by Dr. Gipson and Dr. Muzata that sparked that inspiration to work in research?

I started my studies at VCU with the goal of applying for law school upon graduation. As I went through my undergraduate journey, however, I started to feel like that was no longer the path for me. The freedom I had in exploring topics of interest in both of those courses showed me the depths of my curiosity and interest in learning new things. This, coupled with sharing insights with others to foster understanding, brought me a level of joy I wanted to pursue post-VCU.

Tell me about your current role as a senior research associate at Hart Research. What does your day-to-day look like?

Describing my day-to-day is always a tough task for me. While I have my core responsibilities, I don’t necessarily do the same things everyday. One day I’m programming a survey, the next I’m preparing booklets for an in-person focus group. One thing that does happen everyday, however, is me learning something new. That’s my favorite part. 

Senior research associate is a newly acquired title of mine after being promoted toward the end of 2025, and with that has come new opportunities to grow as a researcher. Just the other day, I moderated my first individual in-depth interview. I look forward to continuing down this path.

Can you highlight a project you've worked on at Hart Research that you were particularly proud of? What were your responsibilities on that project?

I had the opportunity to work on research for the NAACP in 2024. The Association was interested in knowing where Black Americans’ minds were politically and what it could do to increase turnout in the presidential election. My colleagues and I spoke to Black voters throughout the country and pulled together insights that informed the NAACP’s campaign. 

My core responsibility was ensuring our data collection and presentation was done with high quality and care. This is a project I’m particularly proud of because I spent most of my high school years serving as president of Stafford County’s NAACP Youth Council. It was my time in the Youth Council that inspired me to pursue an education in political science and African American studies, so collaborating with the association as a Hart Researcher was a full circle moment.

How did the curriculum in the Departments of African American Studies and Political Science prepare you for your professional work? 

The curriculum in the Departments of African American Studies and Political Science helped me understand that most things in society, whether positive or negative, are part of a larger idea. Very few things exist in a vacuum. Part of being a public opinion researcher is knowing that when we talk to people through surveys or in focus groups, their answers are guided by something else, and it’s important that we try to uncover what that is.

What’s your why?

Honoring my younger self.