The Transitions Research Team is looking to add new members to the family!
Since 2017, members of the team have worked together to conduct research focused on the experiences of first-generation and/or low-income students at Vassar. In previous years, we have focused on the factors that produce or inhibit a sense of belonging among first gen, low income students, and most recently we’ve focused on learning about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Transitions students financially, academically, and socially.
Regardless of our focus, our approach has never changed. Students on the research team engage in “participatory action research,” which allows students who are part of the demographic under study to have a direct say in the process of creating a research agenda, conducting the research, and reporting on their findings. The team has been able to undertake some exciting projects over the past six years and we’re excited to share them with you. (Click here to see what we’ve been up to!)
Since most of the current Transitions Research Team members will be graduating in May 2022, it’s time to invite a new batch of students to continue carrying out this work on campus! If you are interested, please make sure to check out the FAQ section on our website and fill out the Google Form application.
To be eligible for consideration, students must be first generation and/or low income, and must be current first-years, sophomores, or juniors. Applications are due Monday, April 25, 2022, at which point the research team will begin reviewing applications. We will schedule short 15-20 minute interviews with applicants from May 2 – 6, 2022 and select new members before the semester ends.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact any of the team members. If you would like to learn a bit more about us, and see who has been on the team in previous years, check out our bios on the Transitions Research Team webpage.
Sincerely,
Professor Rueda, Associate Professor of Sociology & Director of Latin American and Latinx Studies
Majella Sheehan ‘22, Sociology
Maira Vargas ‘22, Sociology & Educational Studies
Leonard Versola ‘23, Music & Educational Studies