SHARE Summer 2026: Dr. Erin Scanlon and Dr. Liam McDermott

Project Mentor

Project Overview:

Neurodivergent (e.g. Autistic, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar) students solve problems 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 analyze transcripts of interviews 19 neurodivergent physics students, analyzing them through the lens of “doing physics differently” and how doing physics non-normatively in a society that privileges specific ways of solving problems may impact students.

Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:

The SHARE apprentice will assist by 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, 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 Drs. 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.

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:

1hr reading
2hr meetings
6hr analysis of data
1hr writing

This is a project that is generally flexible with regard to time. There is no desired start/end date, nor are there desired days of the week for apprentices to work. The only mandatory time to work is the mandated group meetings, which will be scheduled with deference to the apprentice’s schedule.

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 Monday, March 2, 2026. Click here to submit an online application for this SHARE apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Click here to view an outline of the general application questions. In addition to the general questions, applicants for this apprenticeship will be asked the following question:

What experience do you have working with neurodiversity, neurodivergent people, or special education? (750-word 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.