Gain hands-on quantitative and qualitative community-engaged research experience in a very important and current topic! This project is examining the experience of populations who are food insecure on accessing healthy foods, and the experiences of urban farmers on distributing their food. Focused on Prince George’s County as a pilot case study.
Project Objectives:
Our team is creating a network that aims to work on food redistribution in the food value chain
from producers to food distributors to end-consumers to preserve more food, anticipate plausible
food emergencies and incentivize commercial operations and business start-ups to reduce the food
waste in the supply chain. This is a larger project focused on food access, food insecurity and food
waste, but the assistant will be working closely with Dr. Caroline Boules on her piece of the puzzle.
Responsibilities
• Conduct literature reviews, including finding and synthesizing relevant literature on urban
agriculture, food security, food waste, and related topics.
• Organize files in Google Drive
• Aid in survey design, distribution and survey data analysis
• Aid in developing guides for interviews and focus groups
• Schedule interviews and focus groups with various stakeholders in PG County
• Conduct virtual qualitative interviews with stakeholders in the County
• Transcribe qualitative interviews and focus groups
• Interpret qualitative interview data using content analysis methods
• Synthesize and summarize findings
• Students may have the opportunity to present findings at professional events
Required Skills and Qualifications
• Online research skills: Ability to identify reputable and appropriate research sources
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Be self-motivated and directed
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
• Experience conducting surveys, interviews or focus groups
• Experience working directly with communities who may be experiencing food insecurity
• Interest or experience with food systems, urban agriculture and food security work a plus
• Working knowledge of Spanish
Hours and Compensation:
• Expected commitment: 10 hours/week from start through December 2023
• Pay: $17/hour
To apply
Please email Dr. Caroline Boules, cboules@umd.edu, outlining your interest and your skills that are
relevant to this position, and include a current resume, no later than Friday February 10, 2023.