Project Mentor
Dr. Lisa Werkmeister Rozas
Department: Social Work
Research Project Overview:
There are two projects I will be working on over the summer that a research assistant could participate.
- I will be conducting listening sessions with members from the Latino community and will need assistance with data collection, transcription, translation and analytic coding. The information collected and analyzed will be used to create a list of recommendations for legislators here in CT for future policy planning. These recommendations will be shared in November 2025 at the second annual Latino policy summit in Hartford.
- I am conducting a study around Latina civic engagement and political representation. Latinas will be interviewed to help understand the barriers to civic engagement that exist for Latinas living in the greater Hartford area. Data indicates that Latinas are poorly represented in political, board and commission positions as well as voting, at the local and state level. After interviewing participants, data will be transcribed and coded.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
The research apprentice will provide direct support for the literature review, policy briefs, data collection and analysis for this study. Tasks might include, reaching out to participants, scheduling interviews, jointly conducting interviews, transcribing, translating, and coding collected data. Other tasks related to the research will be assigned as needed. The student will gain valuable knowledge and skills related to the process of research data collection and analysis as well as have the opportunity to work with a larger research team. They would also have an opportunity to be named on the publication of a paper.
The research apprentice will receive training in qualitative research methodology, weekly/biweekly supervision and information necessary on how to conduct other important elements of research such as literature reviews, IRB protocol, interview techniques and how to interact with community partners and organizations.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
Ideally the apprentice would start in June and continue until mid-August. They would work between 8-10 hours per week and participate in meetings once a week or every two weeks. Hours are flexible and all of the work will be done remotely.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest in qualitative research
- Interest and/or Previous knowledge regarding Latino populations
- Ability to speak and/or understand Spanish is a plus but not required
- Interest in social justice and/or civic engagement
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.pdf 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 with the Latino population? (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.