SHARE Summer 2025: Research Opportunity with Dr. Sarah Willen

Project Mentor

Dr. Sarah Willen
Department: Anthropology

Research Project Overview:

We are seeking a student apprentice to support the Pandemic Journaling Project (PJP – https://pandemic-journaling-project.chip.uconn.edu/), which is a combined journaling platform and interdisciplinary research study of people’s experiences of COVID-19, led by Dr. Sarah Willen in Anthropology together with a colleague at Brown University. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented student interested in developing skills in qualitative research. Familiarity with the Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc.) is necessary. All activities for this position can be completed remotely.

Responsibilities include:

  • Attending training sessions and meetings.
  • Staying in regular contact with SHARE mentor and remaining accountable for project tasks.
  • Specific tasks may include: literature searches, transcription of digitally recorded interviews, coding of text files, cataloging images and audio files, and other related tasks. We will provide appropriate training for any of these tasks; no prior experience expected or required.
  • Student may provide support for the development of a book based on the Pandemic Journaling Project exhibition, Picturing the Pandemic (https://picturingthepandemic.org/).
  • Student may provide support to online aspects of our research and community engagement, including web design and maintenance (if they already have the appropriate skills).
  • Additional tasks as needed.

Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:

The research apprentice will provide direct support for data analysis of findings from a major interdisciplinary research study leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or for public audiences. We have worked successfully with student RAs since launching this project in May 2020. Student responsibilities are assigned based on both project need and student skills and interests and range widely but may include data collection, analysis, and write-up of research findings. Through their involvement, the research apprentice will gain valuable research experience, particularly in qualitative research methods and analysis. They also will gain experience working as part of a friendly and lively research team.

Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:

We schedule weekly meetings at a time convenient to both SHARE mentor and mentee. Most other responsibilities can be completed on a flexible schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High level of comfort using a computer, phone, and/or other research equipment.
  • Familiarity and comfort with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets, etc.), and willingness to learn other online platforms (e.g., Slack) and forms of research software (e.g., NVivo or Dedoose.).
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on commitments.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Interest in social science research.
  • Preferred: previous coursework in Anthropology, Sociology, or related field.
  • Fluency in Spanish welcome but not required.
  • Skill in website design and maintenance welcome but not required.

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. Please note, the general application questions have been modified for this apprenticeship. The first and second application questions will be:

  1. After taking some time visiting the Pandemic Journaling Project website (https://pandemic-journaling-project.chip.uconn.edu/) and the website for our exhibition, Picturing the Pandemic (https://picturingthepandemic.org/), please explain why you are interested in working with this project/this faculty member. (750 words max)
  2. How would a research apprenticeship with the Pandemic Journaling Project support your educational and career goals? (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.