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.

Open Positions

M.S. or Ph.D. Assistantship in Human Dimensions of Participatory Sciences

Start Fall 2024

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 2024 (start dates negotiable). The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Caren Cooper (Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Resources) and have the option to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, or Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, or Natural Resources, or Geospatial Analytics. The student can also affiliate with the Global One Health Academy. The student will join an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, engineers, and social scientists, supported by an NSF- Understanding the Rules of Life to Address Societal Challenges (URoL:ASC) grant, investigating a system of sensors on freshwater mussels for real-time detection of water contamination. Recent developments in low power and distributed sensing, and machine learning, now enable a new generation of a Bivalve-based Living Sensor Systems (BLiSS) for multimodal, more comprehensive assessment that can help mitigate the presence of water contaminants at inlets & outlets of public water infrastructures, where they pose a risk to human and animal health.

The graduate student will develop their expertise in the participatory sciences (e.g., citizen science) and bring that into collaborative interdisciplinary research with the project team who hold expertise in freshwater mussel biology, aquatic ecosystem epidemiology, bionic animal-machine interfaces, wireless embedded systems, sensors, novel materials, and machine learning. The graduate student will create and manage big data for a citizen science project (likely on the Zooniverse platform) in which participants annotate videos and sensor data. While project engineers will use the annotated data to train machine-learning algorithms, this student can choose to explore a range of research questions focused on the participant experience. Potential research topics include participant motivations, participant understanding of science, effectiveness of curricular support of learning, behavioral connections between field-based volunteer water monitoring and the online effort, design of equitable partnerships that support diverse engagement, and other emergent issues.

Key Responsibilities & Opportunities (with greater independence for PhD than MS):

-Advance citizen science theory and practice through an innovative research project.

-Coordinate with project team members to crowdsource useful annotations.

-Author and co-author 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 the participatory sciences 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, biological sciences, or related field

-Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills

-Strong commitment to public engagement in science

-Strong commitment to interdisciplinary research

-Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School

Desired Qualifications:

-Some background and/or coursework in public engagement, water quality, global one health, or related topics

-Experience with quantitative research and analysis skills, including data management, and survey development

-Experience with qualitative research, including interviews and coding data

-Experience with web analytics

-Experience working in citizen science contexts as a researcher and/or practitioner

Assistantship Package: The assistantship provides a stipend of approximately $30,000/year plus tuition and health insurance.

Starting Date: The negotiable starting date for the assistantships is August 15, 2024.

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

-Letter of Intent (personal statement describing your relevant professional and/or lived experiences, and the scope of your research interests and career aspirations. Also specify preferred assistantship, that is, MS or PhD)

-Resume or CV

-Contact Information for 3 Academic References

The position will remain open until filled, with all applications submitted by Friday January 12, 2024 receiving full consideration. If selected for the position, applicants will be asked to submit an online application to the NC State Graduate School.

PROJECT COORDINATOR — coming soon

Project Coordinator for the Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible, Large-scale (IDEAL) Participatory Sciences Program

The IDEAL Participatory Sciences Program is guidance for practitioners to carry out inclusive, equitable, and accessibility practices with the goal of increasing diversity among project participants. Participatory sciences refer to an array of approaches, such as citizen science projects, that support public engagement in scientific activities. With new funds from NSF, the project manager will guide the remote training and social science studies of a cohort of 60 people each year across the United States involved in leading their local Christmas Bird Count (CBC) and coordinating their local Community, Collaborative, Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS).

This position extends up to two years, from January 2024 to December 2025. This opportunity is perfect for someone wanting to work on this project and then switch roles to graduate student or post-doctoral researcher.

The project goal is to advance knowledge about how to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in large-scale participatory science projects. The program manager will coordinate activities to fulfill two aims: Aim 1 is to administer the IDEAL program to practitioners and gather materials to assess their self-awareness, readiness, agency, and implementation of IDEAL practices. Aim 2 is to disperse funds for a subset of trained practitioners to implement IDEAL practices and gather materials to assess impacts of IDEAL practices on participant diversity, sense of belonging, and self-efficacy for science learning and doing. The IDEAL program includes an interactive, self-paced, online tutorial, a Handbook with worksheets, a socio-demographic survey of participants, and a peer community of practice. By adding a base of evidence to the IDEAL program, it will become a resource that can sustain broadening engagement in the participatory sciences.

Primary tasks of the program manager include but are not limited to:

-Execute core aspects of Program Management

-Coordinate communication among the IDEAL research team

-Coordinate with CBC and CoCoRaHS headquarters

-Coordinate the logistics and guide a cohort of 60 project leaders each year through multiple milestones (e.g., participation in a community of practice, participation in workshops, worksheet completion)

-Prepare and facilitate discussions, workshops, etc. related to the project

-Run focus groups and surveys and create feedback loops among team members

-Document project artifacts such as trainee worksheets and discussion threads

-Qualitatively code project artifacts

-Coordinate with post-awards office to facilitate dispersal of funds to practitioners

-Foster a supportive program culture of openness, sharing, growth mindset, and learning from mistakes

Desired skills and experience:

-College degree (master’s degree preferred or 2 year experience in program management or coordination)

-Experience with project management, particularly across a virtual, internet-based program

-Highly organized, ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet milestones

-Excellent interpersonal communication skills

-Strong written communication ability

-Proficiency with diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility

-Experience with team building

-Familiarity with social science research methods

-Familiarity with the participatory sciences (e.g., citizen science) preferred

-Familiarity with project management software

-Familiarity with virtual and in-person communication tactics

Salary: $45-50K, depending on experience

Applications open soon and will include: a cover letter detailing (1) why you are interested in the position, (2) what makes you well suited to it, and (3) highlighting your personal and professional experience and goals with the subject matter of the project, as well as a CV and contact information for two references. Send questions to cbcoope3@ncsu.edu

PAST CLOSED POSITIONS

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.