Part-Time Digital Storytelling & Research Assistant (VOICE-DC Project)

Undergraduate Research Assistant

The AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL) in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the VOICE-DC project, a community-engaged research study examining civic engagement, storytelling, and learning related to AI data center development and governance.

Responsibilities The Undergraduate Research Assistant will:

• Produce high-quality manual transcriptions of audio and video recordings from interviews, working groups, and community engagement activities.
• Assist with qualitative data organization, file management, and preparation of research materials for analysis.
• Create graphics, visualizations, figures, and other research dissemination materials for conference presentations, grant proposals, manuscripts, and public reports.
• Support the development and production of project podcasts, including transcription, episode preparation, audio asset organization, and dissemination materials.
• Assist with the creation of digital storytelling assets, including story maps, narrative archives, website content, and visual media.
• Format and organize photographs, documents, maps, and multimedia materials for public-facing project websites.
• Conduct literature searches and assist with citation management as needed.
• Participate in research team meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of community-engaged research resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in education, learning sciences, communication, community development, digital humanities, science and technology studies, geography, media studies, or related fields.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate written transcripts.
• Experience with graphic design, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS StoryMaps, website content creation, podcast production, or related digital media tools.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a research team.

Learning Opportunities Students will gain experience in:

• Qualitative and community-based research methods.
• Interview and focus-group data management.
• Digital storytelling and public scholarship.
• Podcast production and science communication.
• Visual communication and research dissemination.
• Research on AI, data centers, infrastructure, civic engagement, and community learning.

Expected Deliverables

• Completed interview and working-group transcripts.
• Graphics and figures for research dissemination.
• Podcast production assets.
• StoryMap and website content.
• Organized digital archive of project materials supporting VOICE-DC public-facing resources.

Position Details

• Hourly Rate: $15.00/hour
• Total Hours: 100
• Appointment Period: Fall 2026-Spring 2027
• Work Schedule: Flexible; coordinated with project milestones and student availability.