EUReCA! Student Assistant in Health and Behavioral Sciences
The EURēCA! Student Assistants Program provides introductory opportunities for CU Denver undergraduates to engage in research and creative activities. Students MUST complete the EURēCA! Presentation and Quizzes in Canvas (30min) to apply for all EURēCA! positions. Register Here.
For more information, view visual guide: Applying for EURēCA! on Handshake, learn more on the EURēCA! Program Website, or email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu.
Employer/Dept: University of Colorado Denver/ Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Supervisor: Ashlyn Lange
Job Title: EURēCA! Student Assistant in Health and Behavioral Sciences
Job Location/Address: CU Denver / This position is fully remote.
Purpose: This project investigates how school food policies are enacted and experienced in a Colorado school district, with attention to how institutional processes shape food access and inequality. Drawing on qualitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, the research explores the perspectives of school personnel, students, and families to better understand how school food environments are negotiated in everyday life.
The research team is led by a PhD candidate in Health and Behavioral Sciences. The undergraduate research assistant will contribute to the project by conducting literature reviews, transcribing recorded interviews and focus group discussions, and coding qualitative data using qualitative analysis software. Their work will support ongoing data analysis and the development of a conference presentation. Learn More.
Position Description: The research assistant will support a qualitative research project examining school food policies and access. This work-study employee will be involved in multiple aspects of the research process, including conducting literature reviews, transcribing interviews and focus groups, and coding qualitative data. The position offers experience with qualitative research methods and contributes to a larger study of how institutional practices and everyday experiences shape school food environments. The research assistant will work closely with the principal investigator and attend regular check-ins to discuss progress and emerging findings.
Duties and Responsibilities: Duties for this position include: conducting literature searches related to school food policy, food justice, and educational inequality; transcribing audio recordings from interviews and focus groups; and coding qualitative data. These responsibilities directly support the project’s goal of understanding how school food is experienced and negotiated in practice by students, families, and school personnel. The research assistant’s contributions will help identify emerging themes in the data, inform academic writing and presentations, and contribute to broader analysis of how institutional and social factors shape school food environments.
Skills and Knowledge Gained: Literature review and synthesis with data; Research ethics and IRB protocols; Qualitative transcription and data management; Use of different software for coding and thematic analysis; Academic writing; Exposure to public health and policy research; Critical thinking
Minimum Qualifications:
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Familiarity with qualitative methods through coursework or prior experience
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with qualitative software; Interest in school food, education policy, or food justice
Position Commitment: Minimum 5 per week, maximum 10 per week
Preferred Work Times: Timing is flexible. Whenever the student is available (M-F) that does not conflict with their class schedule or academic progress.
Length of Employment:
This position is available for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, employment may continue at Ashlyn Lange’s discretion. Please reach out to ashlyn.lange@ucdenver.edu with any questions. If both mentor and mentee agree, students can apply to continue with EURēCA! for a second year.
Application Requirements:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Complete 2025-2026 FAFSA or CASFA and attach one of the following:
- Screenshot of email from Financial Aid stating potential work-study eligibility
- Screenshot of current 25/26 Work-Study award amount in Student Portal
- Statement on other status (e.g. international student)
- Learn more about work-study here. Please note: limited hourly funding is available, email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu with questions about your status.