Undergraduate Research Assistant

Posting Details

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Position Information

Posting Number:	20244919V
Position Title:	Undergraduate Research Assistant
Posting Type	Student
Hours/week:	Up to 10 hours p/week
Eligibility:	Work study preferred but open to all students
Semester	2024 Spring
Location
Detailed Work Schedule
Number of positions:	1
Department:	205-Mechanical Engineering
Contact Name:	Abby Henshaw
Contact Phone/Extension:	9-4988

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary:	We are seeking motivated undergraduate students to join our research team for an exciting educational development and assessment project. Successful candidates will actively contribute to the creation and enhancement of Virtual Field Trip (VFT) modules in diverse subjects. The research project focuses on the interdisciplinary realm of geosciences, utilizing its unique characteristics to foster integrated learning. Through the creation of an immersive Virtual Field Trip (VFT), we aim to increase exposure to geosciences in high school and early college and enhance STEM education by seamlessly integrating subjects such as geography, math, biology, and physics within geoscience applications. The VFT, featuring a virtual paleontology expedition, will be hosted on the American Geosciences Institute’s digital platform, ensuring wide accessibility. Assessment tools, including validated instruments, will gauge the VFT’s impact on student engagement, academic gains, and attitudinal factors. The broader impacts encompass supporting early-career scientists, engaging undergraduate students in hands-on experiences, and disseminating outcomes widely to schools, museums, and beyond. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Collaborate with the Principal Investigators (PIs) and team to develop educational content (worksheets, examples, problems etc.) for VFT modules – geography, mathematics, biology, physics/engineering. Assist in uploading educational materials onto the digital platform. Conduct data analysis and contribute to the refinement of VFT modules. Prepare learning assessments for the modules, ensuring alignment with project goals, state and national standards. Prepare learning assessments needed for the field season.
Requirements:	Applicant requirements include: Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at VU. Strong interest in educational development and assessment. Familiarity with writing learning objectives. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Proficiency in data analysis and content creation. Availability to work up to 10 hours per week for 10 weeks during the academic semester.
Additional Information:	Position may be renewed for a total of 5 semesters, depending on progress and availability. This is an outstanding opportunity for students passionate about education and seeking hands-on experience in a collaborative research environment. To apply, please email a cover letter (explaining personal, academic, and professional alignment with the project and highlighting relevant experience and skills) and a resume/CV to [email protected] .
Physical Demands Summary:
Wage Rate:	$15 p/hour

Posting Detail Information

Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Open Until Filled	No