Project Mentor
Dr. Meg Paceley
Department: Social Work
Project Overview:
A SHARE apprentice will have the opportunity to work on various projects within the QT-RISE (Queer and Trans Resistance, Intervention, Solidarity & Equity) Research Lab. The mission of the lab is to advance research that centers intersectional queer and trans lives, cultivating futures shaped by collective resistance, transformative community care, and liberation-oriented scholarship.
Apprentice(s) will be able to work on one or more of the following projects:
- Trans Youth and Family Study: We interviewed transgender youth and their parents across the U.S. in 2025 about their experiences with the current political climate in the U.S. Over the summer, we will be analyzing interview transcripts and working on publications and presentations on the findings.
- Mental Health Providers, Advocates, and Gender Affirming Care: We interviewed mental health providers and advocates about their experiences navigating laws and policies targeting gender affirming care for trans youth across the U.S. Over the summer, we will be analyzing interview transcripts and working on publications and presentations on the findings.
- Queer, Trans, and Disabled Imagined Futures: We collected arts-based submissions from queer, trans, disabled adults in the U.S. about their better imagined futures. We will be analyzing the arts-based submissions and disseminating data.
- Ethical LGBTQ+ Crisis Service Provision: We collected interview and focus group data from LGBTQ+ individuals and crisis providers. Over the summer, we have one or two papers we will be working on for publication from this data.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
Apprentice Contributions: Assist with qualitative and arts-based analysis, contribute toward writing literature reviews and other aspects of manuscripts, participate in regular team meetings, learn research skills
Learning Outcomes: Apprentice(s) will learn: Qualitative analysis methods, including thematic analysis, grounded theory, and arts-based analysis; conducting a literature review; synthesizing research for academic publication; academic writing; dissemination of academic publications to promote equity and justice for marginalized communities; working on a research team
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
The ideal candidate will be able to work close to the full award amount for the summer (understanding that things happen–we are flexible!). We have not scheduled our summer meetings yet and will include apprentice availability when we do so. The times/days worked are flexible outside of scheduled meetings.
Preferred Qualifications:
A commitment to advancing equity for LGBTQ+ populations is necessary for working on these projects. While experience with LGBTQ+ organizations or projects is not required, a commitment to equity for these populations is.
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. In addition to the general questions, applicants for this apprenticeship will be asked the following question:
- Please share your interest in and experience with working with LGBTQ+ populations and/or utilizing research to promote equity for LGBTQ+ people. (750 words maximum)
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.