Research Opportunities
Looking for research opportunities? Review the information below for current research opportunities in the sociology department for undergraduate sociology students. Many of these opportunities will require you to enroll into units, it is recommended to also review the individual study process.
2019-20 Opportunities:
Pathways to Research
P2R is a research-mentoring program for EOP students in the social sciences over multiple quarters where you receive mentorship from a PhD student on topics spanning the research process and the realities of graduate school based on your individual goals.
Visit their site for more information
Koret Undergraduate Scholars
The Divisions of Undergraduate Education and Student Success with funding from the Koret Foundation will award Undergraduate Research Scholarships plus expenses for students from any discipline.
Visit their site for more information
Education/Sociology Field Study Opportunity
Supporting the Latinx Student Union at Santa Cruz High School
Deadline to apply: June 3, 2019
Santa Cruz High School (SCHS) and UCSC are partnering to support the SCHS Latinx Student Union during the 2019-20 school year. The Latinx Student Union is a student-run club that aims to build community and support academic success through programming, such as a Latinx graduation.
UCSC undergraduates will work with a doctoral student in the Education Department to support the Latinx Student Union through mentorship, programming, and participatory action research. The specific themes for the year will be determined in partnership with the high school youth.
Students must be able to commit to a full year of field study (2 credits/quarter). This will entail lunchtime meetings once a week at Santa Cruz High and may also entail field work at other times of the day.
Required: Experience working with youth from historically underserved communities; research methods
Preferred: Coursework related to educational equity
We encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds, particularly first-generation, low-income, Latinx students.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Professor Rebecca London: rlondon@ucsc.edu or email for more information.
Deadline to apply: June 3, 2019
2018-19 Opportunities:
Pathways to Research
P2R is a research-mentoring program for EOP students in the social sciences over multiple quarters where you receive mentorship from a PhD student on topics spanning the research process and the realities of graduate school based on your individual goals.
Visit their site for more information
Koret Undergraduate Scholars
The Divisions of Undergraduate Education and Student Success with funding from the Koret Foundation will award 64 Undergraduate Research Scholarships of $1,500 plus expenses for students from any discipline. Applications Due October 31, 2018.
Visit their site for more information
Central Valley Freedom Summer (CVFS) Participatory Action Research Project
Quarter(s) Available: Fall'18, Winter'19, Spring'19, Summer'19
Description of Research Project: Conduct participant observation of youth voter engagement campaigns
Faculty Sponsor: Veronica Terriquez (Faculty)
Secondary Point of Contact: Anai Paniagua
Number of students needed for this research project: 20
Estimated number of hours per week with Faculty Sponsor or Supervisor: 30 min
Estimated numbers of hours per week working independently on project: varies
Paid or Unpaid: unpaid and paid
Unit Requirement: None
Prerequisites or qualifications needed to apply: Attended High School in the California Central Valley
Responsibilities of students participating in this research project: Taking field notes, conducting surveys, conducting nonpartisan voter education, supporting grassroots campaigns, mapping social services in the area.
Research Location: On campus during the school year, in the Central Valley during the Summer
How to apply: contact Anai Paniagua at ropaniag@ucsc.edu
Projects Continuing From 2017-18
Some of the projects listed below from the 2017-18 school year are continuing through this academic year, including BSS and the Youth Leadership Health Study. While many of the positions have been filled, there may still be opportunities to join throughout the school year. Please check with the contact person listed.
2017-18 Opportunities:
Brothers, Sons, Selves (BSS): Youth Participation & Leadership Development Study
Interested in supporting the youth movement in South Los Angeles and South East Los Angeles?
The Brothers, Sons, Selves (BSS) coalition is working to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color by advocating for positive alternatives to punitive school discipline and reducing criminalization in Los Angeles County and the State of California. Since 2010, BSS has fought to improve school climate, which means that fewer students of color are getting pushed into the school-to-prison pipeline. In collaboration with BSS, we are documenting their organizational and cultural practices. Currently, we are looking for two to four undergraduate research assistants from South Los Angeles or surrounding area.
More Details:
-Point person: Uriel Serrano, Ph.D. student, Sociology Department.
-Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Veronica Terriquez, Sociology Department.
-Research assistants must be from South Los Angeles.
-We will train you qualitative data collection approaches and in coding and transcribing of data.
-Weekly check-ins via email, text, phone call, or in-person with Uriel.
-2-5 unit course credit available with Dr. Veronica Terriquez for Spring quarter.
-Opportunities for part-time paid internships during the summer and fall quarter may arise.
Please contact serrano@ucsc.edu if you are interested or have any questions!
Youth Leadership and Health Study
Quarter(s) Available: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Description of Research Project: Collecting and analyzing data on youth civic engagement. Students are needed from: Santa Ana, South LA, Boyle Heights, Oakland, Richmond, South Sacramento, Coachella, and City Heights, Salinas, Merced, Fresno, and Kern County.
Faculty Sponsor: Veronica Terriquez (Faculty)
Secondary Point of Contact: Uriel Serrano (Graduate Student)
Number of students needed for this research project: 4
Estimated number of hours per week with Faculty Sponsor or Supervisor: 1
Estimated numbers of hours per week working independently on project: 4-10
Paid or Unpaid: Some unpaid positions can turn into paid positions after 6 months, at $15/hour
Unit Requirement: Enrollment into units is not required
Prerequisites or qualifications needed to apply: Excellent communication skills over email, time management. Students must be from Santa Ana, South LA, Boyle Heights, Oakland, Richmond, South Sacramento, Coachella, and City Heights, Salinas, Merced, Fresno, and Kern County.
Responsibilities of students participating in this research project: Transcribing interviews, data entry, transcription, coding, administering surveys, participant observations at youth organizations
Research Location: Off and on campus options
How to apply: Contact Uriel Serrano urserran@ucsc.edu
Central Valley Freedom Summer (CVFS) Participatory Action Research Project
Quarter(s) Available: Winter, Spring, Summer
Description of Research Project: Conduct participant observation of youth voter engagement campaigns
Faculty Sponsor: Veronica Terriquez (Faculty)
Secondary Point of Contact: Anai Paniagua
Number of students needed for this research project: 20
Estimated number of hours per week with Faculty Sponsor or Supervisor: 1, 4 over the summer
Estimated numbers of hours per week working independently on project: 8 during the school year, 38 over the summer
Paid or Unpaid: $4000 summer stipend
Unit Requirement: SOCY 139T and individual studies SOCY 193F or SOCY 199F
Prerequisites or qualifications needed to apply: Attended High School in the California Central Valley
Responsibilities of students participating in this research project: Taking field notes, conducting surveys, conducting nonpartisan voter education, supporting grassroots campaigns
Research Location: On campus during the school year, in the Central Valley during the Summer
How to apply: contact Anai Paniagua at ropaniag@ucsc.edu
Middle School Breaktime Study (not accepting any more students at this time)
Quarter(s) Available: Winter - Spring 2018
Description of Research Project: In an effort to improve the quality of recess, Santa Cruz City
Schools implemented Playworks in all four of its elementary schools. Playworks
promotes safe and healthy play at recess and throughout the school day. It’s been
five years and those students are now in middle school. We are interested in
learning how the tools students learned in elementary school recess have carried
over into their middle school breaktime
Faculty Sponsor: Rebecca London (Faculty)
Number of students needed for this research project: 5-7
Estimated number of hours per week with Faculty Sponsor or Supervisor: Varies
Estimated numbers of hours per week working independently on project: Varies
Paid or Unpaid: unpaid
Unit Requirement: Eligible for independent study units
Prerequisites or qualifications needed to apply: Preference will be given to students who have completed SOCY 3A or an equivalent research methods course. Please mention any research methods courses you have completed when applying.
Responsibilities of students participating in this research project: Observations of breaktime and a classroom activity as well as interviews with key respondents in three middle schools and four elementary schools.
Research Location: Santa Cruz middle schools and elementary schools.
How to apply: Send a short letter of interest (with resume, optional) to Sociology
Professor Rebecca London, rlondon@ucsc.edu by Friday December 8. Mention any
research methods courses you’ve completed. Preference will be given to students
who have completed Sociology 3A or an equivalent research methods course.
Note: Livescan fingerprinting may be required to be involved with data collection on
school sites.
