Project Mentor
Dr. Sohyun Park
Department: Plant Science & Landscape Architecture
Research Project Overview:
I am seeking a research assistant to support a research project on Accessible Nature and nature-inclusive zoning in urban areas for environmental justice.
The objectives of the project are to:
- Increase the understanding of land bank systems as well as the physical and socio-ecological contexts of land bank properties at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
- Assess green space presence and nature access in the development of land bank properties.
- Explore the public benefits of nature-based approaches (e.g., green stormwater infrastructure, native tree plantings, pollinator habitats) in and around land bank properties.
- Investigate the associations between green space provision, redlining, and perceived community well-being in the neighborhoods with land bank properties.
- Develop inclusive nature inclusive design guidelines for ecologically, socially, and ethically responsible development of land bank properties.
- Explore the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to nature inclusive landscapes across various local, administrative, planning, and policy contexts.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
The research apprentice will provide direct support for data gathering and analysis. Common tasks will include literature searches, searching zoning codes and ordinances and compiling pertinent excerpts, coding and summarizing data, creating GIS maps, drafting analysis, researching ecological design practices, creating diagrams and charts, and preparing presentations. Additional tasks related to research will be completed as needed. The research apprentice will gain valuable research experience, particularly in literature and policy review methods and analysis, writing reports and GIS mapping. This project will require virtual meetings with the interdisciplinary research team and community partners. All activities for this position will be completed remotely.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
Ideally, the RA will work on this project 10-15hrs/week and will participate of weekly meetings. However, the hours will be flexible and may be weighed more heavily in the beginning of the summer. We may skip some weeks depending on the summer holidays and other responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Students studying landscape architecture, environmental science, urban planning, or public policy.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Motivated, able to work independently, able to stick to a schedule and follow through on commitments, detail oriented.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- High level of comfort using a computer, phone, and/or other research equipment.
- Strong familiarity/comfort with MS Teams and One Drive, and willingness to learn other online platforms (GIS).
To Apply:
The application opens on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Click here to submit an online application for this research apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:59pm.
Click here to view an outline of the general application questions. In addition to the general questions, students will be asked to respond to the following question:
- Please explain any experience you may have with any/all of the following (250 words maximum):
– GIS
– Connecticut state statutes or municipal codes related to the environment (landscaping, wetlands, blight, etc)
– Land Banks
– Land Trusts
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.