Communications

Eric Gordon

Affiliated Faculty, IGS; Professor of the Practice, Journalism and Director, Center on Media Innovation for Social Impact, College of Communication

Options

Independent Funding Available, Potential for UROP Funding

Overview

The Center for Media Innovation & Social Impact (MISI) at Boston University is partnering with the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute in Dorchester to offer a unique research opportunity for BU students. We are seeking a motivated student to serve as a Peace Fellow, contributing to a project that documents the lived experiences of family members of homicide victims whose cases remain unsolved.

Position Overview
The Peace Fellow will receive training in trauma-informed research methods and community-based interviewing. Working closely with the Peace Institute, the student will conduct interviews with survivors, capture their stories, and craft individual profile pieces. These profiles will be compiled into a book that the Peace Institute will distribute as part of its ongoing work supporting families and building peace in Boston communities.

Responsibilities

— Participate in training sessions on trauma-informed research and interviewing techniques

— Conduct and transcribe interviews with survivors of unsolved homicides

— Write narrative profile pieces that reflect the voices and experiences of participants

— Collaborate with faculty, staff, and Peace Institute practitioners to shape the final publication

— Serve as a liaison between BU and the Peace Institute community

Position Details

— Part-time: ~10 hours per week

— Training and mentorship provided

— Recognition as a Peace Fellow at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

Qualifications

— Strong writing and communication skills

— Interest in social justice, community-based research, and storytelling

— Ability to approach sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism

— Prior coursework or experience in communication, journalism, social science, or related fields is helpful but not required

This position offers students the opportunity to develop research and storytelling skills while making a meaningful contribution to a community-driven project of remembrance, justice, and healing.