Project Mentor
Dr. Melisa Argañaraz Gomez
Department: Urban and Community Studies
Research Project Overview:
I am seeking a research assistant to support a project focused on housing insecurity and eviction within immigrant Latin American communities in Waterbury and Baltimore. The project will have a particular focus on the experiences of immigrant Latin American women and children. Waterbury has ranked among the 50 cities with the highest eviction rates in the country since 2016. Previous research found Black renters are over three times more likely than white renters to face eviction, and Latino renters are over two times more likely than white renters. Housing insecurity and eviction cases are disproportionately filed against women and even more disproportionately against Black and Latina women. This project also seeks to understand the experiences of housing insecurity among communities overlooked during the pandemic.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
The research assistant will provide direct support for the execution and analysis of this study. Common tasks will include literature searches, support for online recruitment of participants, transcription of interviews, coding, and proofreading final writing outcomes. Additional tasks related to research will be completed as needed. You will gain valuable research experience, particularly in participatory qualitative research methods and analysis. This project will require virtual meetings with community organizations to create potential research partnerships. You will have plenty of opportunities to network with different organizations around the Waterbury/Baltimore area. All activities for this position will be completed remotely.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
I would like the student to start in mid-May and continue until mid-August. Ideally, you will work on this project 10hrs/wk. However, the hours will be flexible. We may skip some weeks depending on the summer holidays and other responsibilities. We will schedule weekly meetings to check in and set up weekly goals. Other responsibilities can be completed on a flexible schedule.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest in qualitative methods and participatory action approach to research.
- Previous coursework in Urban Studies, Geography, Anthropology, or related field. Student should demonstrate interest and commitment to Latinx and Latin American communities and migration justice.
- Fluency in Spanish is required.
- Familiarity with Nvivo is a plus but not required.
You do not have to have previous experience to apply.
To Apply:
The application is closed.