SHARE Summer 2025: Research Opportunity with Dr. Erin Scanlon and Dr. Liam McDermott

Project Mentor

Research Project Overview:

Neurodivergent (e.g. Autistic, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar) students think, learn, and perform differently than their neurotypical peers. Unfortunately, the way higher education is constructed marginalizes students when they learn and perform outside a constrictive set of neurotypical-normative parameters. There are many barriers which neurodivergent students face that hinder their success in college. One of these barriers is the fact that pedagogy and assessment practices are not designed with neurodivergent learning and performance in mind.

In this project we will investigate the ways in which neurodivergent undergraduates learn and perform physics. To do this, the research team will conduct a series of three interviews with neurodivergent physics undergraduates: two “think-aloud” interviews on introductory physics topics, and one “semi-structured” interview about participants’ experiences as physics students. The goal of this project is to develop a rudimentary grounded theory of neurodivergent physics learning/performance which can help educators and researchers create innovative and neuroinclusive pedagogical practices.

Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:

The SHARE apprentice will assist by conducting interviews, transcribing interview data, qualitatively analyzing interview transcripts, contributing to paper writing, and assisting in the creation of pedagogical materials (e.g., workshops, zines, and “how-to’s”). However, the project responsibilities may be changed to fit the SHARE apprentice’s skills and professional goals if they have or generate ideas in line with the group’s overarching goals.

The SHARE apprentice will learn how to conduct qualitative research in education, including, but not limited to, reading about qualitative methodology (specifically grounded theory, phenomenology, and narrative analysis (for examples of each: https://helpfulprofessor.com/qualitative-methods-examples/)), learning about human-subjects research, conducting think-aloud and semi-structured interviews, and coding and analyzing qualitative data. Furthermore, the SHARE apprentice will learn how to scientifically write and disseminate their results to multiple audiences, such as educators, researchers, and administrators.

The SHARE apprentice will complete CITI Training, learning how to properly engage with human subjects and identifiable information. In addition, they will conduct practice interviews with Dr.’s Scanlon and McDermott and the research team. For qualitative coding, the SHARE apprentice will be asked to take out a book from the library (The coding manual for qualitative researchers) to read and take notes from and will be walked through the coding and analysis process during 1-on-1 and group meetings.

Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:

Dr. McDermott (Dr. Scanlon’s post-doc) will be the primary research supervisor for the SHARE apprentice and will hold 1-on-1 meetings with the apprentice weekly, and group meetings with two additional undergraduate researchers weekly. The apprentice can work entirely virtually, in which Dr. McDermott will be available for questions virtually. Dr. Scanlon will oversee the group and will provide direct mentorship to Dr. McDermott and the SHARE apprentice.

Other than the hour-long weekly meetings (1-on-1, and group meetings), and a series of 2-4 one-hour qualitative analysis meetings, the apprentice can work entirely on their own time. We expect the SHARE apprentice to work approximately 10hr per week, for 9-10 weeks. These 10 hours would likely be broken down into:

1 hour reading
2 hours transcription of interviews
2 hours conducting interviews
2 hours meetings
2 hours analysis of data
1 hour writing

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates will preferably have:

Interest in learning about and conducting education research.
Experience working with neurodivergent people, or an interest in learning about neurodiversity.
Desire to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers.

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, applicants for this SHARE apprenticeship will be asked the following question:

What experience do you have working with neurodiversity, neurodivergent people, or special education? (750 words max)

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.