SHARE Summer 2022: Research Opportunity with Dr. Sarah Willen

Project Mentor

Dr. Sarah Willen
Department: Anthropology

Research Project Overview:

We are seeking a student apprentice to support the Pandemic Journaling Project (PJP – https://pandemic-journaling-project.chip.uconn.edu/), which is a combined journaling platform and interdisciplinary research study of people’s experiences of COVID-19, led by Dr. Sarah Willen in Anthropology together with a colleague at Brown University. You would join a collaborative team of faculty and other research team members, including both graduate and undergraduate students. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented student familiar with Google Docs, including Google Sheets. All activities for this position can be completed remotely. On-campus residence during the summer of 2022 is not required.

Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:

The research apprentice will provide direct support for the management and operations of a major interdisciplinary research study. We have worked successfully with student research assistants since launching this project in May 2020. Student responsibilities are assigned based on both project need and student skills and interests, but may include participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and write-up of research findings. Through their involvement, the research apprentice will gain valuable research experience, particularly in qualitative research methods and analysis. They also will gain experience working as part of a friendly and lively research team.

Responsibilities include:

  • Attending training sessions and staff meetings.
  • May include: literature searches, support for online recruitment of participants, scheduling of research interviews, transcription of digitally recorded interviews, coding of text files.
  • Additional tasks as needed.

Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:

We schedule weekly RA meetings at a time convenient to all team members. Most other responsibilities can be completed on a flexible schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High level of comfort using a computer, phone, and/or other research equipment.
  • Familiarity and comfort with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets, etc.), and willingness to learn other online platforms (e.g., Slack) and forms of research software (e.g., NVivo.).
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on commitments.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Interest in social science research.
  • Preferred: previous coursework in Anthropology, Sociology, or related field.
  • Fluency in Spanish would be welcome but not required.

To Apply:

Applications are closed for this apprenticeship.

Click here to view an outline of the application questions. In addition to the question on the outline, applicants for this position will be asked the following questions:

  • After taking some time visiting the Pandemic Journaling Project website (https://pandemic-journaling-project.chip.uconn.edu/), please explain why you are interested in working with this project/this faculty member. (200 words maximum)
  • How would a research apprenticeship with the Pandemic Journaling Project support your educational and career goals? (200 words maximum)