Student Opportunities

Undergraduate Students
I need your help! There are research, citizen science, and science communication opportunities in my lab. Contact me to express your interest.

Prospective Graduate Students

I anticipate recruiting graduate students and/or postdoctoral researchers in 2024 on two grant-funded projects. If you are interested in the participatory sciences, social justice issues, environmental justice issues, and social science research, then contact me.

CLOSED (summer 2021)

PhD Opportunity: Building Capacity for Improved Citizen Science by Understanding the Racial-Spatial Bias in Environmental Data

The Cooper Public Science Lab at North Carolina State University seeks a creative, motivated Ph.D. student with an interest in applying geospatial social science approaches to studies of racial disparities in citizen science participation. The position will begin Fall 2021 and is funded for four years at $25,000/year, plus benefits and tuition support, with support from NSF and the cutting-edge Ph.D. program in Geospatial Analytics offered by NC State’s Center for Geospatial Analytics (geospatial.ncsu.edu).

The selected applicant will join a research group focused on multiple dimensions in the design and implementation of citizen science programs. The student will be actively involved in exploring innovative design for citizen science to work across scales, from national to community levels, to address environmental injustices and public health challenges. The student will be encouraged to develop research questions and a project tailored to their unique interests and career goals.

The Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State is an internationally recognized hub for interdisciplinary data scientists pushing the boundaries of spatial data science to advance discovery and inform real-world decision-making. Students in the Ph.D. program receive multidisciplinary advising and the opportunity to work with over thirty faculty fellows with diverse expertise from over a dozen departments across NC State.

Applicants should hold a degree in data science, public health, geography, environmental science, ecology, or a related discipline. Experience or familiarity with programming in R or other statistical software, as well as previous publishing experience is desired, but not required.

Applicants do not necessarily need prior experience in citizen science or GIS, but should have interests in public engagement in science and maps. Students who are members of historically underrepresented groups in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply.

For more information about the position, contact Caren Cooper (cbcoope3@ncsu.edu) with a cover letter expressing your interests and CV. Additional details about the Ph.D. program in Geospatial Analytics and complete application instructions are available at go.ncsu.edu/geospatial-phd. Interested students are also encouraged to contact Rachel Kasten, Graduate Services Coordinator (rachelkasten@ncsu.edu or 919-515-2800), with questions about the program or to explore additional opportunities.

CLOSED (spring 2020)

M.S. or Ph.D. Assistantship in Human Dimensions of Citizen Science

(start in Fall 2020)

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) at North Carolina State University invites applications for an M.S. or Ph.D.-level assistantship beginning in Fall 2020 (start dates negotiable). The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Lincoln Larson (Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management) and Dr. Caren Cooper (Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Resources) and to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, or Natural Resources. The student will join our team, supported by an NSF-Advanced Informal STEM Learning (AISL) grant, investigating the potential of multi-project platforms for improving the experiences of citizen scientists. The 5-year study focuses on SciStarter, the largest repository of citizen science projects in the world, and uses a variety of techniques to increase the capacity of citizen science to achieve broader goals for both science and society. The student will study citizen science as a form of recreation that provides a variety of health and wellness benefits. The research will examine engagement trajectories across multiple citizen science projects (e.g., shifts from online to offline or field-based participation), the factors that motivate these shifts, and the diverse benefits that volunteers derive as engagement deepens. Results will inform shared management of volunteers across a diverse array of projects and reveal ways citizen science can contribute to health and well-being.

Key Responsibilities & Opportunities (vary by degree objective):

Work with faculty advisors to advance citizen science theory and practice by conducting literature reviews and crafting innovative research projects (assisting or leading study design, data collection, and analysis).
Work with faculty advisors and project partners to enhance capacity for project management in SciStarter, including the development of thematic portals.
Assist or lead in developing peer-reviewed journal articles, academic presentations, non-technical reports and outreach materials, and other project deliverables.
Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants and/or serve as a teaching assistant in relevant courses.
Contribute to the activities of the cluster on Leadership in Public Science, which offers unique intellectual focus and professional development in the realm of citizen science, open science, and science communication.

Required Qualifications:

BS (for MS level) or MS degree (for PhD) in human dimensions of natural resources, park/recreation management, social sciences, information sciences, public health or related field
Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong commitment to public science and interdisciplinary research
Interest in interdisciplinary research

Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School

Desired Qualifications:

Some background and/or coursework in recreation and leisure studies, public health, or related field
Experience with quantitative research and analysis skills, including survey development and implementation
Experience with qualitative research, including interviews and data transcription
Experience with web analytics
Experience working in citizen science contexts as a researcher and/or practitioner

Assistantship Package: The assistantship provides a competitive stipend, tuition, student fees, and health insurance. It assumes 20 hours per week dedicated to the project and 20 hours dedicated to coursework. The M.S. position is renewable for up to 2 years based on satisfactory progress. The Ph.D. position is renewable for up to 4 years based on satisfactory progress.

Starting Date: The negotiable starting date for the assistantships is August 15, 2020.

How to Apply: Please begin the application process by sending an email copying both Dr. Lincoln Larson (LRLarson@ncsu.edu) and Dr. Caren Cooper (cbcoope3@ncsu.edu), attaching the the following items in one PDF document:

Letter of Intent (personal statement describing relevant experience and research interests, should also specify preferred assistantship – MS or PhD)
Resume or CV
Contact Information for 3 Academic References

The position will remain open until filled, with all applications submitted by February 10, 2020 receiving full consideration. If selected for the position, applicants will be asked to submit an online application to the NC State Graduate School.

About the College of Natural Resources (CNR):

CNR is a world leader in the sustainable use of natural resources. CNR’s comprehensive approach to teaching, research and service encompasses the many and varied ways in which people’s physical, economic and social needs are met through the wise use of natural resources. CNR is committed to interdisciplinary research, teaching and engagement, as nurturing and enjoying the environment and engineering sustainable products go hand-in-hand with helping communities and enterprises thrive. The faculty, staff, students and alumni of CNR are discovering and sharing real world solutions to real world problems every day.

About the Campus & Community:

Campus life at NC State is lively and varied. It offers numerous opportunities for graduate students hoping to build a rewarding and well-balanced life. The university is located in Raleigh, NC: consistently rated as one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play!

If you have any questions about this assistantship opportunity, please contact either:

Lincoln Larson at LRLarson@ncsu.edu or 919-515-8947
Caren Cooper at cbcoope3@ncsu.edu or 919-707-9273

NC State is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NC State University welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation or genetic information.

CLOSED

Master’s Graduate Assistantship – Design & Implementation of Citizen Science

Starting Fall 2018 at NC State University (2-year position)

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) at North Carolina State University invites applications for a M.S.-level assistantship beginning in Fall 2018 (start dates are negotiable). The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Caren Cooper (Dept. of Foresty and Environmental Resources & NC Museum of Natural Sciences) and be self-motivated and hardworking with interests in human dimensions, communication, and policy research related to citizen science. With funds from the EPA, and in collaboration with social and environmental justice organizations and Virginia Tech, the student will assist with a new project to discover, model, and communicate risk of lead in tap water across the United States. The student will help with the design and implementation of a national inventory of premise and service line pipes in the United States, additional protocols related to infrastructure and water attributes, multi-modal communication of risk estimates to varied stakeholders, and assessment of learning outcomes.

Possible research directions include, but are not limited to:

risk communication in citizen science contexts
legal, ethical, technological, and social issues related to data privacy and sharing
value-sensitive design to culturally adapt project protocols and materials for diverse populations
assessment of learning outcomes and actions (household, community, political, etc)

Key Responsibilities & Opportunities:

Work with faculty advisor and project post-doc to advance citizen science theory and practice by conducting literature reviews and crafting innovative research projects (assisting or leading study design, data collection, and analysis).
Work with faculty advisor and project post-doc to identify and build partnerships with conservation, health, and social justice organizations for collaboration on public engagement in citizen science.
Assist or lead in developing peer-reviewed journal articles, academic presentations, non-technical reports and outreach materials, and other project deliverables.
Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants.
Contribute to the activities of the cluster on Leadership in Public Science, which offers unique intellectual focus and professional development in the realm of citizen science and science communication.
Engage with colleagues in the Biodiversity Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where students will have ample opportunities to develop their science communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in human dimensions of natural resources, social sciences, information sciences, science communication, public policy, or any of numerous fields relevant to citizen science
Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong commitment to citizen science

Interest in interdisciplinary (social and biological) research
Commitment to environmental justice
Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School

Desired Qualifications:

Some background and/or coursework in communication, human dimensions, environmental policy, or related fields
Experience with quantitative research and analysis skills, including survey development and implementation
Experience working in citizen science contexts as a researcher and/or practitioner

Assistantship Package: The assistantship provides a competitive stipend, tuition, student fees, and health insurance. They assume 20 hours per week dedicated to the project and 20 hours dedicated to coursework. M.S. position is renewable for up to 2 years based on satisfactory progress.

Starting Date: The negotiable starting date for the assistantship is August 15, 2018.

How to Apply: To apply, submit a pre-application to Dr. Cooper at cbcoope3@ncsu.edu by April 2. Submit pre-application as a single PDF file attached to an email introducing yourself with “CitSci graduate application” in the email subject line.:
1) cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications, and experience, as well as research and career goals
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Names, contact information, and short description of relationship for three professional references
Selected applicants will also need to apply to the Dept of Forestry & Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University before acceptance.

The position will remain open until filled, with all applications submitted by April 2, 2018 receiving full consideration. If selected for the position, applicants will be asked to submit an online application to the NC State Graduate School.

About the College of Natural Resources (CNR):

About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences:

With 1.2 million visitors annually, the NCMNS brings the public in contact with science and scientists. The Museum began in 1879, with many expansions to support both visitors and a growing research collection. In 2012, the NCMNS opened a new wing, the 80,000 ft² educational and research facility called the Nature Research Center (NRC). Cooper’s lab is one of several enclosed in glass for visitors to view ongoing research by faculty and their students. The centerpiece of the museum is the Daily Planet, which is the largest globe in the world from the outside, and a 3-story multi-media theater on the inside. Cooper, graduate students, and other scientists have opportunities to talk to the public in this theater.

CLOSED (March 2018)

M.S. & Ph.D. Assistantships in Human Dimensions of Citizen Science

(Available for Fall 2018)

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) at North Carolina State University invites applications for 1 M.S.-level and 1 Ph.D. assistantship beginning in Fall 2018 (start dates are negotiable). The successful applicants will work under the supervision of Dr. Caren Cooper (Dept. of Foresty and Environmental Resources & NC Museum of Natural Sciences) and Dr. Lincoln Larson (Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management) to pursue degrees in Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, or related field. Assistantships are supported by an NSF-AISL project investigating participant dynamics, coordinated volunteer management, and associated outcomes across a broad landscape of citizen science projects. The 5-year study will focus on SciStarter, the largest repository of citizen science projects in the world, using embedded assessments and other techniques to increase the capacity of citizen science projects to achieve scientific, learning, and conservation goals. Project outputs will advance citizen science as a coordinated and collaborative discipline and will help to foster optimal recruitment and retention of citizen scientists – including those currently under-represented in the STEM fields.

Possible research directions include, but are not limited to:

Investigating impacts of citizen science project design and participation dynamics on scientific, learning, and conservation outcomes
Examining pathways to initial recruitment and subsequent retention in citizen science
Designing systems to enhance participant agency in navigating an ecosystem of diverse projects
Assessing project owner perceptions about volunteer aggregation, competition, and collaboration
Evaluating strategies for engaging under-represented populations in citizen science

Key Responsibilities & Opportunities (vary by degree objective):

Work with faculty advisors to advance citizen science theory and practice by conducting literature reviews and crafting innovative research projects (assisting or leading study design, data collection, and analysis).
Work with faculty advisors and partners to enhance capacity for project management in SciStarter, including the development of corporate staff volunteer programs.
Assist or lead in developing peer-reviewed journal articles, academic presentations, non-technical reports and outreach materials (e.g., Manual for Project Owners), and other project deliverables.
Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants and/or serve as a teaching assistant in relevant courses.
Contribute to the activities of the cluster on Leadership in Public Science, which offers unique intellectual focus and professional development in the realm of citizen science, open science, and science communication.
Engage with colleagues in the Biodiversity Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where students will have ample opportunities to develop their science communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

BS (for MS opening) or MS degree (for PhD opening) in human dimensions of natural resources, social sciences, information sciences, or related field
Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong commitment to public science
Interest in interdisciplinary (social and biological) research

Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School

Desired Qualifications:

Some background and/or coursework in ecology, conservation biology, or related field
Experience with quantitative research and analysis skills, including survey development and implementation
Experience with web analytics
Experience working in citizen science contexts as a researcher and/or practitioner

Assistantship Package: These assistantships provide a competitive stipend, tuition, student fees, and health insurance. They assume 20 hours per week dedicated to the project and 20 hours dedicated to coursework. M.S. position is renewable for up to 2 years based on satisfactory progress. Ph.D. position is renewable for up to 3 years based on satisfactory progress.

Starting Date: The negotiable starting date for the assistantships is August 15, 2018.

How to Apply: Please begin the application process by sending an email copying both Dr. Caren Cooper (cbcoope3@ncsu.edu) and Dr. Lincoln Larson (LRLarson@ncsu.edu) with the following items in one PDF document:

Letter of Intent (personal statement describing relevant experience and research interests, should also specify preferred assistantship – MS or PhD)
Resume or CV
Contact Information for 3 Academic References

Positions will remain open until filled, with all applications submitted by January 15, 2018 receiving full consideration. If selected for the position, applicants will be asked to submit an online application to the NC State Graduate School.

About the College of Natural Resources (CNR):

About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences:

About the Campus & Community:

If you have any questions about this assistantship opportunity, please contact either:

Caren Cooper at cbcoope3@ncsu.edu or 919-707-9273
Lincoln Larson at LRLarson@ncsu.edu or 919-515-8947

NC State is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NC State University welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation or genetic information.