Project Mentor
Dr. Fumilayo Showers
Department: Sociology and Africana Studies
Project Overview:
Post-Mortem of a Pandemic (PMP) is a qualitative research study housed in the department of Sociology. It is based on interviews with frontline health professionals about their experiences working during the various waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. While existing studies have established themes of burnout, psychological and emotional stress, and the physical toll of the pandemic at specific points in time during the height of COVID-19, this study maps out the long durée of professional experiences during the pandemic. It examines the long shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health care workforce. It goes beyond the individual level factors that shaped health professionals’ experiences to mapping out the structural changes to health care landscape as a result of COVID-19.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
I have worked successfully with student RAs on this project through my research lab: https://healthcareinequalitylab.sociology.uconn.edu. Student responsibilities within the lab have been assigned based on both project need and student skills and interests. They have included data collection (conducting in-depth interviews), data analysis, researching literature in social science, public health, and nursing journals, and writing annotated bibliographies and literature reviews.
The SHARE research apprentice will provide direct support for coding and analyzing interview data that has already been collected using Qualitative software (AtlasTI). They will also improve their writing and research skills by configuring literature reviews and assisting in writing up research findings. There is a possibility to continue with this project and to become part of a friendly and supportive research team.
Early on in the summer experience, I will meet with the student to provide orientation to the project. I will offer training videos in coding and analyzing qualitative interviews. I will also provide a written guide on configuring literature reviews. Throughout the summer, the student will work on their own time in completing assigned tasks. They will provide brief status updates and we will meet as needed if they need assistance. At the end of the experience, the apprentice would have gained first-hand experience with qualitative data collection and analysis; insights into the social science literature on the social aspects of disease, and familiarity with sociological analysis of health professions and health care institutions.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
The tasks for this summer apprenticeship can be completed on a flexible schedule.
The benchmark for participation is (10hrs per week) over a 9-week period. I can be flexible in organizing the schedule based on student’s availability and other commitments.
Student will provide status updates via brief email check ins. We will meet virtually periodically (approx. 2-3 times over the 9-week period) for feedback.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity and comfort with (Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets, etc.), and willingness to learn working with qualitative research software (e.g., AtlasTI.).
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Ability to work independently and follow through on commitments.
- Preferred: previous coursework in Sociology, Anthropology, Africana Studies.
To Apply:
The application opens on Monday, March 2, 2026. Click here to submit an online application for this SHARE apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Click here to view an outline of the general application questions. There are no additional questions for this application.
Please Note: All students hired for a SHARE Summer apprenticeship must complete a federal I-9 form and present original documents in person to OUR staff as part of the hiring process. Visit this U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for more information about acceptable documents. You cannot begin working until this is complete. Students are encouraged to plan ahead for this. For example, if you are going home for spring break, consider bringing original documents back to campus with you.