Communications

Eric Gordon

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

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Independent Funding Available

Overview
The Center for Media Innovation and Social Impact (MISI) is looking for an undergraduate research assistant for Fall 2026.

The research assistant will contribute to a project called “Trust in Context,” which explores public perception of data centers in New England. This study investigates how residents in specific geographic locations learn to trust or distrust information about data centers. Using mixed-methods, we examine the formation of trust relations across three local information ecosystems in New England.

Research assistant role
The student selected for this role will be involved in the digital ethnography portion of the project. They will be tasked with the collection and organization of social media data, online news media content, and/or public meeting transcripts. They will work directly with Sarah Halford, Postdoctoral Associate at MISI.

Position details
– Part-time; 10 hours weekly (flexible schedule)
– $15/hour

Qualifications
– Prior qualitative research experience (including online data collection) is a bonus but not required
– Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
– Ability to work independently
– Available for regular Zoom check-in meetings during the work day (between 9a-5p EST; timing negotiable)

How to apply
Send a resume and brief paragraph describing your interest in this project to Sarah Halford (shalford@bu.edu) cc’ing Eric Gordon (ejgo@bu.edu).

Application deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026