Democratic Ambiguity Project
Email application to Dr. Laura Dugan at dugan.226@osu.edu

This study investigates how legally ambiguous actions—defined as those facing constitutional challenges in federal court—reshape political discourse and contribute to political violence from both the far right and far left. Focusing on President Trump’s second term, the research examines the relationship between controversial executive and administrative decisions, escalating partisan hostility, and violence. For example, following Elon Musk’s appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Tesla dealerships and vehicles were targeted in violent attacks. Concurrently, fourteen states filed a federal lawsuit asserting that Musk’s authority violates the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

We need undergraduate research assistants (URAs) to help collect information on lawsuits against the current presidential administration that will include information from the original executive action that led to the lawsuit and the subsequent rulings on the case. URAs will work during their own time to collect the data and meet weekly with the research team to discuss challenging cases and the broader project. UGAs will also be involved in collecting data on civil unrest.

Requirements:
Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0
An interest in law would be an asset.

Qualitative Research on Conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Email applications to Anneliese Schenk at Schenk.67@buckeyemail.osu.edu

This research focuses on the collective memory of the Bosnian War (1992-1995) among individuals who belong to the second post-war generation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Research questions revolve around familial interactions and educational experiences within and between ethnic groups (Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats). Options are available in future semesters for undergraduate research assistants to continue work with the project in ways such as interview coding, literature review assistance, or working on their own undergraduate thesis. Four-five students are needed.

Requirements: 
Students should have at least a 3.0 GPA. This position is ideal for students who are interested in qualitative research, political conflicts, sociology of the family, education, and/or social movements. Preferred qualifications include some coursework in sociology, anthropology, or Slavic studies. Ideal candidates will also have strong typing skills and excellent hearing- as they will be typing out recorded interviews verbatim. Interested students should email me with their resume/CV, a 200-word statement about their interest, and how many hours a week they are looking to work over the course of the semester.

Qualitative research on Men’s Health and Friendships – Sinem Esengen
Email applications to Sinem Esengen at esengen.1@buckeyemail.osu.edu

This research project investigates how men learn about reproductive health, with a specific focus on how social ties (especially, friendships), shape men’s thoughts and actions regarding sexual and reproductive health. In-depth qualitative interviews with men about health, intimacy, and friendships will be conducted.

Undergraduate research assistants working on this project will: (1) assist with recruitment efforts, (2) receive training in qualitative interviewing methods, (3) assist with data transcription, and (4) practice coding qualitative data using NVivo. There may also be an opportunity to conduct some qualitative interviews with the participants.

For those interested, opportunities to write an independent honors or undergraduate research thesis using the data may be available.

Requirements:
Applicants must be second-year or higher. Preference will be given to applicants in Sociology, Public Health, Geography, Anthropology, or other related fields.

Interested students should email me their CV/resume, a 150-word statement of interest in this project, the number of hours per week you intend to work over the course of the semester, and a list of relevant courses you have taken about this project’s topical content or about research methods. Please combine all materials into a single PDF titled “Last Name_RA_AU26.”