SHARE Summer 2026: Dr. Sarah Willen

Project Mentor

Dr. Sarah Willen
Department: Anthropology

Project Overview:

We are seeking a student apprentice to support a project that uses qualitative research methods to trace how recent cuts in public health funding are affecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and affiliated health programs and departments at the state and local levels. This project is led by Dr. Sarah Willen, a medical anthropologist at UConn, together with two other medical anthropologists at Brown University. The SHARE apprentice may also be asked to provide some support to a second, smaller research project focusing on a group of UConn faculty, staff, and community members who gather monthly to practice reading the Yiddish language (the “Yiddish Tish”).
   
The position is ideal for a detail-oriented student interested in developing skills in qualitative research who is comfortable working independently. Familiarity with the Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc.) is necessary. All activities for this position can be completed remotely.

Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:

Responsibilities include:

  • Attending training sessions and meetings.
  • Staying in regular contact with SHARE mentor and other team members 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 research 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 research publication based on either the CDC project findings or Yiddish Tish project findings.
  • Student may provide support related to development of a small podcast (if they already have the appropriate skills).
  • Additional tasks as needed.

The SHARE apprentice will provide direct support for data collection and analysis of findings from a qualitative research study leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or for public audiences. Student responsibilities will be assigned based on both project need and student skills and interests. Through their involvement, the research apprentice will gain valuable research experience in qualitative research methods and analysis, which may include literature reviews, data collection, interview transcription, qualitative data analysis, and/or write-up of research findings. They also will gain experience working as part of a friendly and lively research team.

Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:

Most other responsibilities can be completed on a flexible schedule. The SHARE apprentice should expect to work with the team to create a week-by-week plan for the summer, including weekly goals; meet at least once per week with the team via Zoom/WebEx; and provide daily check-ins to log goals for the day (before getting started) and tasks accomplished (before signing off). Weekly meetings can be scheduled at a time convenient to both SHARE mentor and mentee.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 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 gaining experience with social science research.
  • Familiarity and comfort with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets, etc.), and willingness to learn other online platforms (e.g., Slack, Signal) and forms of research software (e.g., NVivo or Dedoose.).
  • High level of comfort using a computer, phone, and/or other research equipment.
  • Preferred: previous coursework and/or interest in Medical Anthropology, Public Health, or related field
  • Preferred: previous coursework and/or interest in Jewish Studies.

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. There are no additional questions for this application.

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.