The CERENE Lab is seeking undergraduate researchers interested in gaining social science experience. We have a number of ongoing projects and offer hourly paid work, award stipends (through our Resilience Corps Leader program), as well as summer internships.
Positions include remote work as well as in-person work at the CERENE Lab.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Apply now, or send us an email to inquire for more information.
CERENE Research Takes Many Forms.
CERENE’s TI-PAR research is collaborative, place-based, and action-oriented. Our work may include social science research, qualitative interviews, focus groups, surveys, field observations, community engagement, mapping, storytelling, and other forms of data collection. Students and community partners may also participate in data management, qualitative and quantitative analysis, project management, research ethics, leadership and communication, and the presentation of findings through community reports, presentations, and scholarly writing. Across these different methods, the goal is to work alongside communities to identify meaningful questions, build knowledge together, and translate research into useful tools, resources, and action.
Read More About our CERENE Lab’s Research Approaches and Research Frameworks Here
Student-Centered Community-Engaged Participatory Action Research with CERENE
(Photos Below – Mix of Student Research, Community Engagement Events and Scholarly Research to be Published in Peer Reviewed Academic Journals as well as the CERENE Insights Digital Field Journal)
We conduct research in a variety of field settings, from forests to community centers — with all ages and stages of participants (See our TI-PAR Intergenerational Methodology for More Information HERE).
Application Instructions:
Email cerene15@hawaii.edu to apply with your resume, cover letter and statement of goals and interests
Complete the Google Form Application Here: https://forms.gle/DLFk3bYwhbByV2aT6
Eligability
UH Students across the full UH System are eligible to apply.
No experience is necessary to join our lab at an entry level position. All students may apply. Student will be selected based on their existing experience, interview performance, and in some cases letters of recommendation or lab referrals.
Students outside of Hawaii may apply if they are being supervised by their home institution and a letter of introduction or relationship is established with such institution.
CERENE UGRA Expectations
Undergraduate Research Assistants | Graduate Research Assistants | Lab Volunteers | SCI295 Independent Study | Sustainability Capstone Course Expectations for Student Leaders in CERENE Lab
Stipend amounts vary from $1,000 to $1,600 based on project hours and scope
CERENE Undergraduate Student Researchers are expected to:
Participate in required research and professional development trainings, including approximately one CERENE Cohort Zoom session per month and one participate in regular 1:1 or small-group research mentoring meetings.
Complete agreed-upon weekly research hours and maintain regular communication with their faculty mentor and research team.
Receive training and build skills in areas such as:
- Social science research methods
- Qualitative interviewing
- Focus group facilitation
- Data collection and management
- Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
- Research ethics and responsible conduct of research
- Community engagement
- Project management
- Leadership and communication
- Research presentations and scholarly writing
1) Contribute meaningfully to a CERENE community-based research projects. Undergraduate Student Researchers may support research related to community resilience hubs, climate resilience, sustainability, biocultural restoration, food systems, community health, or other approved CERENE project areas.
2) Follow all approved research protocols, including requirements related to informed consent, confidentiality, data security, respectful community engagement, and research ethics.
3) Act professionally, respectfully, and responsibly when representing CERENE and Kapiʻolani Community College (upholding the legacy of Queen Kapi’olani).
4) Document research activities, hours, progress, learning, and project accomplishments.
5) Contribute to research products such as interview summaries, data files, reports, posters, presentations, educational materials, maps, articles, or other project deliverables.
6) Present their research at SURF, a community event, a professional conference, or another approved public presentation opportunity.
7) Complete all required research assignments and final deliverables by the established deadlines.
Students who successfully complete all program requirements will receive their approved CERENE Undergraduate Student Researcher stipend or award. Eligible research and community-engagement hours may also be counted toward the 100 Hours of Resilience Certificate awarded annually by CERENE.