Project Mentor
Dr. Kevin Ferreira van Leer
Department: Human Development & Family Sciences
Project Overview:
I am seeking an apprentice to support either the (1) Support for Research on Youth and Parent Experiences in New Hampshire or (2) Using Our Voices to Transform Hispanic Serving Institutions project.
The first project (1) Support for Research on Youth and Parent Experiences in NH project draws on a committed partnership between university-based researchers at the University of Connecticut and an immigrant-led community-based organization, Centro Latino de New Hampshire. The project aims to examine the impact of the sociopolitical climate on the well-being of immigrant Latine families. Specifically, the project aims to better understand Latine parent and child perceptions of well-being in the current sociopolitical climate, including how they are experiencing the rapidly changing policy context and the resources they are turning to. This is a qualitative study with interviews with immigrant Latine parents and children between the ages of 12-18.
The second project, (2) Using Our Voices to Transform Hispanic Serving Institutions is a mixed methods participatory action research project that examines Latine student perceptions of “servingness” at California State University, Sacramento, a Hispanic Serving Institution. The project has utilized photovoice and a survey of undergraduate Latine students. More information about the project can be found here: https://www.usingourvoiceshsi.com/
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
As a SHARE Summer Apprentice you will have the opportunity to support analysis and writing in either study listed above. Common tasks will include literature searches, transcription of interviews, qualitative coding, writing summaries of research, developing presentations, and proofreading writing products. Additional tasks may include scheduling meetings among community partners, preparing summaries of meetings, and planning agendas for community-partner meetings. Additional tasks related to the project may be completed as needed.
As a result of working on either project as a SHARE Summer Apprenticeship you will gain experience with qualitative research and community-based participatory research. You will learn how to conduct qualitative coding, specifically social constructivist grounded theory analysis. Additionally, you will develop your social science research skills, learning how to better identify, read and summarize literature.
As a SHARE Summer Apprenticeship working with me you will be trained in qualitative data analysis. Specifically, you will be trained in coding interviews for grounded theory analysis, and qualitative coding informed by social constructivist grounded theory methodology. You will be asked to complete human subjects research training. Depending on other tasks assigned, resources to better understand the task will be shared and we will work together to help you learn how to carry it out.
Supervision will include regular meetings (typically biweekly) where we discuss tasks, reflect on work conducted, and set next steps. Additionally, all meeting notes will be kept on a shared document on OneDrive for transparency and easy access. A folder of resources related to the project will be created and shared.
I understand that mentorship also includes breaking down the hidden curriculum of research and academia. I will aim to help you understand the concepts behind the work as well as how the skills are transferable. In each of our meetings we will make time to check-in on academics and research as well as address questions bubbling up related to your professional trajectory. I have experience working with undergraduate students in research, including previous SHARE Summer Apprenticeships, supporting students in applying to (and getting into) graduate school, preparing for and presenting at academic conferences and conducting their own research. While not every person is the same, these experiences prepare me to mentor future undergraduates interested in gaining research experience.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
Scheduling if flexible for the apprenticeship and can work with other commitments (e.g. jobs, internships, summer courses). The aim will be to contribute 7.5 hours per week through mid-May through mid-August to the project. At the beginning of the apprenticeship, we will discuss scheduling to plan out any weeks off and a regular (weekly or bi-weekly) meeting time. We would meet regularly (once every 2-3 weeks) for an hour (or more, as needed).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong writing skills
- Strong self-management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in MS Office (e.g. Word, PowerPoint)
- Completed a social science research methods course
- Interest in higher education policy, immigration, and/or human development
- Previous coursework in Sociology, Anthropology, Human Development & Family Sciences, Psychology, Education or related field
- Interest in social science research and/or community-engaged research
- Fluency in Spanish
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.