Paid RA Opportunity-Diverse Black Families Project

The Diverse Black Families Project, led by Dr. Cecily Hardaway in the Department of
African American Studies, is seeking undergraduate students to work as research
assistants. This is a great opportunity for students who plan to pursue graduate training
in the behavioral or social sciences.

The project focuses on understanding how risks and opportunities associated with socioeconomic status and race shape child development and family processes in African American families. We study socioeconomic status as a source of within-group variability among African Americans
and examine how factors such as stress, discrimination, and economic disadvantage
affect African Americans families across social classes.

We are currently using longitudinal data sets to conduct secondary data analysis on relevant topics and preparing for an upcoming pilot study on stress and parenting in African American families. Undergraduate research assistants will be involved with conducting literature searches and reviews, data management, developing conference presentations, creating interview protocols, and planning for the upcoming pilot study. In addition, research assistants will attend weekly meetings where we discuss ongoing research activities and address questions that arise from work on the project.

Undergraduate research assistants are expected to work on the project for one full
semester; however, there is some flexibility around start and end dates. This opportunity
is paid but may also be done for course credit.

If interested, please send a resume, unofficial transcript, and a one-page cover letter stating why you would like to work on this project to Dr. Hardaway at hardaway@umd.edu. Students majoring in African American Studies, Family Science, Human Development, Psychology, and Sociology
are especially encouraged to apply.