Young Women Risking & Thriving During COVID

Graffiti are of two masked people kissing.

Looking for Peer Researchers to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on young women's sexual lives. 

Project description

Our international research team is conducting a study examining how COVID-19 has shaped the sexual lives of queer and/or racialized youth. We want to learn how young people see and make choices in their lives, especially regarding sex and sexuality. We will invite 100 youth in three cities - New York City, Toronto (Canada), and Melbourne (Australia) - to complete an online "timeline" website designed for this project and we will also conduct individual interviews with approximately half of them. We will turn the results into an interactive public art exhibit.

As a peer researcher, you will assist in all aspects of the study, working with the entire research team from all three countries. Each site is hiring peer researchers, so you will have contact with undergrads from those other countries and universities, too. You will help us pilot test the timeline website, develop a social media marketing campaign, help us recruit, conduct the interviews, and participate in exhibit design workshops. We will check in using team meetings to ensure you are supported. You will receive lots of training and support to work independently, but we will also collaborate and work as a team. 

Project outcome

Various project outcomes, such as multimedia public exhibits of findings, academic poster or conference presentations, academic journal co-authorship. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About 10-12 months
Start time Fall 
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
Remote
Level of collaboration Large group (4+ students)
Benefits Academic credit; work study; research experience
Who is eligible Undergraduate students interested in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field. Priority is for undergraduates who are themselves queer and/or women of color, and who are from New York City.

Core partners

  • Dr. Sarah Flicker, York University, Toronto
  • Dr. Jessica Fields, University of Toronto
  • Dr. Deana Leahy, Monash University, Melbourne

Project mentor

Laina Bay-Cheng

Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development

School of Social Work

579 Baldy Hall

Phone: (716) 645-1225

Email: lb35@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

Social Work