Deschutes Research, Inc.

Meet our DRI staff members and associated staff

Herb Severson, Ph.D. is the founder of Deschutes Research, Inc. He is a research scientist and research psychologist. Herb has been in the research field for 25 years and has over 100 professional publications to his credit. His interests include fine wines, running and snowskiing.

Vanita Miller has been the Office Manager for Deschutes Research. Inc. since 1999, and has been involved in the research field since 1984. She also sits on the Human Subjects Review Board at Oregon Research Institute. Her interests include motor sports, dancing, attempting to do agility with her Malamute mix dog, hiking, cross-country skiing, and gardening. When not at DRI, Vanita enjoys relaxing on her 5-acre property outside of Eugene.

Elisabeth Maxwell is a Research Assistant II for the Web-Based Alcohol Service Training for College Social Hosts project (aka RUSH, Phase II). Elisabeth worked for 10 years as a social worker with families affected by domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, and mental health. In 2004, Elisabeth returned to school in Public Health—Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Management. She earned her M.S. degree from OSU and is currently finishing her PhD in the same field. In her free time, Elisabeth enjoys spending time with her family, especially on the blustery Oregon coast. She also enjoys needlework, knitting, reading, and playing with her dog and 2 cats.

Chris Widdop, M.S. is a Research Assistant for DRI. His background is in counseling psychology. When not at DRI, Chris is an avid mountaineer, snowboarder, and cyclist. He is also the co-founder of Northwest Adventure Works, an adventure-based counseling group for adolescents.

Tracy Shaw is a Research Assistant II for DRI. She is originally from Okalahoma and recently moved to Eugene from North Carolina. Her background is in educational psychology and web-based education and evaluation. Outside of work, Tracy enjoys hiking, reading, learning Spanish, and exploring her new home in Eugene.

Sarah Goracke, Research Assistant I and Administrative Assistant for DRI. Sarah lives with her husband and small daughter outside Junction City where they contribute to the local allergy problem by farming grass seed. A native Oregonian, Sarah enjoys hiking, gardening and reading. Current endeavors at home include garment construction and window installations.

Associated Staff

In addition to all of their dedicated permanent employees, Deschutes Research, Inc. is also privileged to work with the following individuals on various grants and projects.