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Shankar Aswani | 2055/2075 HSSB |
893-5285 | aswani@anth.ucsb.edu Research Project: The Roviana and Vonovona Lagoon Marine Resource Management Program in the Western Solomon Islands is actively assisting villages designate and manage community-based Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We are also engaged in rural development work in the same region. Finally, I direct the annual Pacific Islander Field School that teaches methods and theory of anthropology and marine science in an applied context. Undergraduate Contribution: There are opportunities for undergraduates to recieve credit for data coding and data entry. There are also more advance positions for students with many of the below skills to contribute to an ongoing social marketing campaign designed to generate public awareness of the above mentioned projects. Requirements: Please have a working knowledge of one or more of the following skills: excel, finalcut pro, website construction and management, powerpoint, electronic library research skills, publicity, photo journalism .Anabel Ford | 1044 NH | 893-8191
| ford@marc.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Work on a dynamic trans disciplinary program focused ant the ancient Maya center of El Pilar and the bi national park of the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna. Education, graphics, laboratory analyses, forest garden investigation, archaeological research, historical investigation... Undergraduate Contribution: UG work with data and documents in English and Spanish developing ways to make the El Pilar Program accessible to the world. Requirements: Work requires self motivation and interest in the environment. Background and interest in anthropology and global studies important, computer familiarity vital, Spanish helpful. Michael Gurven | 2059 HSSB | 893-2202
| gurven@anth.ucsb.edu Research Project: An integrated approach to understanding the evolution of the human life history. The goal is to understand why humans have such large brains, long lifespans, long periods of juvenile growth, and a distinct post-reproductive life-phase, in comparison to other mammals and other primates. The project focuses on how foragers learn the kinds of skills necessary for efficient food production, childcare, and social maneuvering. Detailed aspects of growth, development, senescence, health, disease epidemiology, morbidity, and cognition among tribal peoples are integral parts of this inter-disciplinary project. Undergraduate Contribution: Students can help by coding data into a computer, doing literature reviews, exploring their own ideas with the available data, and testing hypotheses. Requirements: ANTH 5 or 7. Experience with Excel helpful. Stuart Tyson Smith | 2001 HSSB | 893-7887 | stsmith@anth.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Culture Contact and Interaction in ancient Egypt's Nubian Empire. Sudanese Nubian archaeological projects at the Egyptian fortress of Askut (c. 1850-1100 BC) and colonial cemetery at Tombos (c. 1500-1100 BC) provide a focus for understanding culture contact and interaction between ancient Egypt and Nubia, and the archaeology and social dynamics of small scale settlements and households in the second and first millennia bc. Ceramic analysis is central to both of these projects, providing critical information for establishing regional and site chronologies, tracing cultural identity and interaction, activities in different areas, subsistence and dietary preferences. Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduate participation in this research consists of analysis of artifacts from each of these sites in the Ceramics Lab at UCSB. Work includes of sorting and analysis of ceramics and other artifacts, including data entry and statistics. Another important part of the work is illustration, including drawings of pottery and objects, plans and architectural renderings, and site maps, including computer aided renderings and reconstructions. Another facet of the project is chemical analysis of absorbed residues in ancient Egyptian and Nubian ceramics. This work will include the preparation of samples, running samples on a Gas Chromatograph/Mass /spectrometer machine, data processing and statistical analysis. Requirements: No prerequisites necessary, but desirable skills/experience include illustration and computer graphics, statistics, and organic chemistry.
Mayfair Yang | 2026 HSSB | 893-8226 | yangm@anth.ucsb.edu | Research Project: I would like a student to help me plan out a new undergraduate course in anthropology called "China Through Film" (ANTH 177). Through the screening of films made in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the course will introduce modern Chinese history, culture and society to students. Readings on Chinese society and history, Chinese film industry and popular culture will accompany the films to be screened in class. Undergraduate Contribution: Duties of the student will include: contacting international film and video distributors in the US in search of film titles and videotape prices, which may involve a trip to LA Chinese video rental shops and compiling a list of video distributors, addresses, and telephones; following the conversation and exchange of information on an Internet discussion group devoted to non-commercial Asian films; library research and photocopying of books and articles on Chinese film and Chinese society, compiling a reader for the course, which will involve one trip to the UCLA library; helping to draft a grant proposal for funding to purchase films needed for the class; watching a few films and giving feedback on their suitability for the course. Requirements: I would like to find a student who has a keen interest in Chinese or Asian film.
Gary H.Brown | Bldg #353 West Campus Devereux | 893-6716 | garyhbrown@cox.net |
Research Project: Research in to the history of artist sketchbooks, day books, travel and expedition journals to result in the creation a book of thirty-five sketchbook journals.
Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduate researchers would assist with the editing of over 30 CDs based on my own creative research recorded in sketchbook techniques. They would be involved with design, digital printing of a prototype "compendia" and other aspects of book design and publication including photo-retouching, color correction and organizational skills.
Requirements: Students must have a working knowledge of computer design, an interest in book arts and a strong background in visual thinking Jane Callister | Arts 534 RM 2432A
| 893-6191 | jane@arts.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Re-Imagining Landscape; a Collaborative Installation/Exhibition for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, in conjunction with the SBMA Master Class /opening March 2005 Undergraduate Contribution: Three students from letters & Science needed to assist professor in all aspects of project including sculpture, painting, mentoring Santa Barbara area highscool students, learning project planning installing, PR proceedures etc. Skills in painting and/or casting and some basic computer literacy desired. 4units. Please conntact Jane at <jane@arts.ucsb.edu> (199RA form rquired) project dates Jan 28th- March 8th/ Must be available 1-4pm on mondays or tuesdays during winter qtr. Requirements: Art 100 intermediate Painting, Art 101 Advanced studio
critique (Painting) Jane Callister | Arts 534 RM 2432A
| 893-6191 | jane@arts.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Collaborative installation art project for seniors in all arts & related fields Undergraduate Contribution: Participate for credit and assist w/ production and documentation of project and public exhibition at qtrs end Requirements: Senior standing /interest in contemporary arts web design skills a plus Jane Callister | Arts 534 RM 2432A
| 893-6191 | jane@arts.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Document student art projects in the department of art's Painting area for database/webpage of class work creative/research related to painting projects. Undergraduate Contribution: Photgraphing 2D student artwork, data collection and entry, digitization of images (slide scanning etc) for new painting area website Requirements: Art 100, Art 21 or 22 photoshop skills and data base knowledge desirable. Jane Callister | Arts 534 RM 2432A
| 893-6191 | jane@arts.ucsb.edu | Research Project: To Assist Faculty with upcoming Art projects to be exhibited in national exhibitions throught the academic year, as well as web projects and general studio assistance. Undergraduate Contribution: Looking for undergraduates with interest and knowlegde of contemporary painting and installation practices who would like to learn through hands on experience, assisting with professional solo and collaborative projects. Requirements: Dedicated Junior or senior level Art major with interest in future grad studies in the field of fine art. Painting skills & knowledge of contemporary Art essential and Web Design skills a plus. Working directly with professor in her studio and at Galleries . 1-6 units per qtr (can work around your schedule) own transportation required. Jane Callister | Arts 534 RM 2432A
| 893-6191 | jane@arts.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Research focus: historical and contemporary painting, recent hybrid and expanded practices in the field. Undergraduate Contribution: Assist with research: gathering and compiling related texts, exhibition archives, create digital data base to become material for future art courses in the dept.Student will gain valuable research skills and a thorough foundation in the historyof art and current theories & developments in the field of painting. Requirements: strong interest in contemporary art, web and html experience a plus, scanning of documents some photoshop editing and library research. work closely w/ professor . 4 units per qtr Colin Gardner | Arts 2416 | 893-5694
| colinrgardner@cox.net | Research Project: I am researching a book on the intersections of British film, sport and popular culture, with specific reference to how shifting historical contexts change the climate of reception. Individual chapters will focus on sport and its relationship to the body, class, gender, spectatorship, nostalgia, race and tribalism. I anticipate completing research by the beginning of 2007 with a publication date of 2008. Undergraduate Contribution: I need a student with excellent research and library skills who can locate films, books and articles related to the project. Requirements: Interest in film and/or sport, familiarity with the UC library system and expertise in online research. George Legrady | Arts RM 2222 | 893-2026
| legrady@arts.ucsb.edu | Research Project: There are 2 projects at this time. Creating 2D abstract pattern images based on algorithms, such as at: http://www.mat.ucsb.edu/~g.legrady/glWeb/Projects/algo2/algo2.html, and implmentation of algorithms to visually map the circulation of books in a library. Undergraduate Contribution: Research work involves creating visualization using various algorithms such as the kohonen self-organizing map algorithm to map data. Requirements: Students should know computer programming such as C++, openGL, java, and have a sense of aesthetics. Kim Yasuda | Arts 1316 | 893-3138 | yasuda@arts.ucsb.edu |
Research Project: Assist faculty in research and curriculum development in the areas of innovative design, alternative architecture and spatial arts. Projects would include research of topics, photographic documentation, archiving and collection building of personal visual library utlized for professional and teaching needs.
Undergraduate Contribution: The ungraduate, with or without training in visual arts, would be helpful in their attention to organization and archiving of research. Students would acquire skills in the professional documentation of a dossier that includes both written and visual material. would learn analogue and digital photographic methodologies in the preparation of a visual artist portfolio.
Requirements: Organizational skills. ability to word process. Kim Yasuda | Arts 1316 | 893-3138 | yasuda@arts.ucsb.edu |
Research Project: Research opportunity to work on a public art program for a low-income housing project in oxnard california. research will include workshops with migrant families, oversight on their creation of hand-made tiles and facilitating installation at the Villa Cesar Chavez site.
Undergraduate Contribution: spanish speaking members will be most helpful to facilitate workshops in the ceramic facility with migrant families. Art or art interest. Chicano studies students would benefit from the experience.Commitment to helping others through academic community outreach.
Requirements: Commitment to helping others better their quality of life through resources of a university.
Diane Fujino | 5034 HSSB | 893-7580 | fujino@asamst.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Asian American struggles for social justice. This project studies the emergence of social protest and radicalism in the 1960s and 1970s, the ways that social movement was connected and disconnected from earlier Asian American activism, and the ways that Third World politics influenced the Asian American Movement. I am researching the development of Asian American political organizations, including the Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA) at UC Berkeley, one of the first pan-Asian groups and one that sparked the formation of AAPAs nationwide; the Chinese American radical group, Red Guard; and the Yellow Brotherhood, started in Los Angeles to combat drug addiction. By challenging the model minority logic of non-resistance, the study of Asian American social movements helps to reconfigure the logic of US race relations and make visible the grassroots political contributions of Asian Americans. Undergraduate Contribution: The primary tasks of the research assistance is to: (a) locate archival materials on Asian American political organizations; (b) conduct library research on the Asian American social movements; and (c) transcribe oral history interviews of Asian American activists. By doing so, the research assistant will acquire knowledge of the little known history of Asian American social movements, including its links to the Black Power movement. The research assistant will also gain research skills, particularly about oral history methodology and archival research. Requirements: An Asian American Studies and/or social movements course recommended. Transcription experience and library research skills are desired, but not necessary. Diane Fujino | 5034 HSSB | 893-7580 | fujino@asamst.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Asian Americans and the Black Radical Imagination. This project examines the life of Richard Aoki, a little known Japanese American leader of the Black Panther Party and the struggle for ethnic studies at UC Berkeley in the late 1960s. We study the influences on his radical political development of his confinement in a US concentration camp during World War II, of his childhood and teenage years growing up in the Black ghetto of West Oakland, of his relationship with Black militants and work in the Black Panther Party, and of his Third World politics. Undergraduate Contribution: The primary tasks of the research assistance are to: (a) locate birth records, immigration records, social movement document and other primary sources; (b) conduct library research on the Black Panther Party, the struggle for ethnic studies, and the Asian American Movement, and the relations between Japanese/Asian Americans and Blacks in Oakland and Berkeley; and (c) transcribe oral history interviews with Richard Aoki and his family, friends, and political associates. By doing so, the research assistant will acquire knowledge of the little known history of Japanese/Asian American radical organizing, including its links to the Black Power movement. The research assistant will also gain research skills, particularly about oral history methodology and archival research. Requirements: An Asian American course, Japanese American history course, or social movements course is preferred. Transcription experience and library research skills are desired, but not necessary. James Lee | 5038 HSSB | 893-4387 |
jkl@asamst.ucsb.edu | Research Project: This project is a "cultural biography" of Russell Leong, editor of Amerasia Journal, writer and artist, and major figure in the development of Asian American Studies. Tracing Leong's story?from his childhood in San Francisco's Chinatown, to his sojourns in East and Southeast Asia, to his position at UCLA?alongside the cultural politics of the last fifty years in the US and the world offers a narrative at once personal and collective, micro and macro. Undergraduate Contribution: Organization of Leong's archival materials, including the creation and maintenance of a database. Library research and collation of Frank Chin papers at UCSB's library. Collection and collation of other sundry articles, books, videos. Basic research on Asian American Movement organizations. Requirements: Some proficiency in Chinese, at least course in Asian American Studies and/or English, basic computer software programs (Word, Excel, etc.), and a detective's eye are all preferred.
John Park | 5038 HSSB | 893-8573 | jswpark@lsit.ucsb.edu
Research Project: I'm working on a book project that examines the impact of recent changes in immigration law, particularly as they pertain to Asian and Latino immigrants.
Undergraduate Contribution: I'd like an undergraduate assistant who is generally interested in law, race theory, and/or ethnic studies. The assistant would perform research on legislation, the social, economic, and political consequences of law, and contemporary race relations. Please send a CV and letter of interest.
Requirements: I'd prefer that the assistant completed some coursework in law and society, Asian American Studies, or political science. John Park | 5038 HSSB | 893-8573 |
jswpark@lsit.ucsb.edu Research Project: A study of contemporary immigration rules and their impact on migratory flows into the United States. The study includes normative analyses of immigration law and policy. Undergraduate Contribution: The student would help me collect articles, books, government reports, and other materials. From these, the student would generate short memos summarizing his or her research findings. Requirements: Any coursework in law and society, political science, sociology, and ethnic studies would be helpful. Celine Shimizu | 5028/5026 HSSB |
893-3339 | shimizu@asamst.ucsb.edu Research Project: My study recasts establsihed understanding of Asian women's sexuality in American popular culture in the various sites of Hollywood, stag, golden age and gonzo pornography and independent experimental films by Asian American women. I show how the excessive infusion of sexuality produces productive perversity in the sites of cinema and performance on and off screen. Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduate research assistant will help me to collect and organize library materials (books, journal articles, videos, etc) and create an annotated bibliography of the relevant works. Requirements: Interest in the areas of race, sexuality, film and performance studies. Analytic ability, commitment to good writing skills, well-organized, professional and ethical work. Celine Shimizu | 5028/5026 HSSB |
893-3339 | shimizu@asamst.ucsb.edu Research Project: Birthright: First-time Mothering in Santa Barbara is an experimental documentary exploring the lives of a diverse group of mothers in a shared social geography. The project is in the research and development stage. Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduate research assistant will help me compile articles on mothering and representations of mothering in the contemporary era. The outcome of the research will be critical summaries of articles, books, and various visual representations including photographs, paintings and video. The student may also assist in grant research and submissions. Requirements: Interest in race, gender, sexuality, class and family. Previous coursework in Ethnic Studies, Women Studies and /or Film Studies. Xiaojian Zhao | 5030 HSSB | 893-2825| xiaojian@asamst.ucsb.edu | Research Project: This is a study of the lives of Post-1965 Chinese immigrants and the ethnic networks they have utilized to survive. Undergraduate Contribution: Students will learn how to conduct research within the ethnic community. They will help with on-line research, survey, and data entry. They will also help collect information from newspapers. Requirements: One As Am class.
Gaye Johnson | 3631 South Hall| 893-5814| gtjohnson@blackstudies.ucsb.edu Research Project: My project is a history of inter-ethnic affiliations and coalitions among African-Americans and Chicanos in Los Angeles. Examining Afro-Chicano politics from the 1930s to the present, I reveal the radical antiracist and egalitarian cultural politics that helped nurture and sustain working class alliances, intellectual advances, and cultural practices that blurred the boundaries of hegemonic categories of race. The divisions, alliances, and musical expressions that emerge from Afro-Chicano urban spaces in Los Angeles have resulted in critical challenges to structures of dominance, making my project relevant to the history of diverse urban political cultures in every American city. Undergraduate Contribution: An undergraduate can contribute to my project by reviewing newspaper articles for pertinent information, make relevant copies, retrieve books and/or archive items and organize them by subject and relevance to the topic. Some organization of my own research notes and primary documents will be helpful. Requirements: They should be versed in Chicago Manual style, and have done at least one lengthy research project. Clyde Woods | 3631 South Hall| 893-4066| cwoods@blackstudies.ucsb.edu Research Project: The general project is a long-term study of the historical evolution of the African American community in Southern California from 1840 to the present. Numerous smaller projects examine social, economic, public policy, and cultural transformations during the twentieth century. Undergraduate Contribution: There are numerous projects associated with this ongoing research program: organization profiles, socail movement profiles, policy briefs, interviews, website development, nespaper research, and arts related research on music, film, literature, the visual arts, etc. Requirements: No prerequisites. Introductory Black Studies courses and an interest in local history will be helpful. Clyde Woods | 3631 South Hall| 893-4066| cwoods@blackstudies.ucsb.edu Research Project: The general project is a long-term study of the historical evolution of the African American community in Southern California from 1840 to the present. Numerous smaller projects examine social, economic, public policy, and cultural transformations during the twentieth century. Undergraduate Contribution: There are numerous projects associated with this ongoing research program: organization profiles, socail movement profiles, policy briefs, interviews, website development, nespaper research, and arts related research on music, film, literature, the visual arts, etc. Requirements: No prerequisites. Introductory Black Studies courses and an interest in local history will be helpful. Clyde Woods | 3631 South Hall| 893-4066| cwoods@blackstudies.ucsb.edu Research Project: Ongoing research on the consequences of Hurricane Katrina in southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi. Of particular interest are public policy responses and the conditions of youth. Another focus is upon the African American community in the region: history, culture, and organizations. Undergraduate Contribution: There are several projects related to examining social conditions and public policy in post-Katrina New Orleans and Mississippi. Documenting the conditions and perceptive of displaced youth is another focus. Historical research on key twentieth century events is another project in addition to music genre and artist profiles. Requirements: No prerequisites. Introductory Black Studies courses and an interest in local history will be helpful.
No listings.
Peter C. Ford | 4649C PSBN | 893-2443
| ford@chem.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Projects in my laboratory are concerned with the kinetics and mechanisms of inorganic reactions. These reactions are important (1) to the homogeneous catalysis of carbonylations of olefins and other organic substrates and (2) to the bioinorganic chemistry of the regulatory molecule nitric oxide. Ongoing projects in my laboratory can be viewed on the group web site http://fordgroup.chem.ucsb.edu/ Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduate researcher generally works closely with a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow who supervises the actual laboratory activity. Most undergrads will aid the graduate student in the preparation of compounds, but in some cases, kinetics studies will be carried out using spectrophotometric techniques. Requirements:Generally, only Chemistry/biochemistry majors who have completed the organic sequence (including the organic laboratory) and who have completed or have enrolled in the P-chem sequence (Ch113) will be accepted. Only students who are willing to commit to at least 3 quarters of participation will be considered.
Thomas Pettus | 2146 PSBN | 637-5651
| pettus@chem.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Our group pursues the synthesis of molecules of biological importance. We are investigating the synthesis of inhibitors of neutral-sphingomyelinase, telomerase, helicase as well as inhibitors of a variety of other biological mechanisms that are important for the treatment of disease. We select biologically active target molecules that cannot be easily addressed by current construction methods. The we develop new synthetic methods for preparing these inaccessible structural ensembles thereby generating access to novel compounds of pharmacological importance. Undergraduate Contribution: 1-2 Undergraduates are selected each year. They begin by working with a gradaute student and when ready are given their own synthetic project. Requirements: Chem 109a (B or better). A committment to becoming a researcher, and very interested in organic chemistry.
Gerardo Aldana | 1710 South Hall | 893-5713 | gvaldana@chicst.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Modern Technology--Ancient Mesoamerica. The intent of this project is to develop computer-based tools to facilitate the analysis of archaeological artifacts. Artifacts under study include lithic, ceramic, and hieroglyphic materials from Teotihuacan and the Maya region.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates with an ability to program may assist in the development of one of three software packages treating: i) Maya hieroglyphic writing; ii) Maya calendric computations; or Teotihuacan projectile points. Students might assist in the development of physical mechanisms useful in studying flint knapping technologies. Assistance with data entry and processing is a third option for students interested in the project, but without programming or mechanical design experience/interest.
Requirements: Java; analysis of four-bar linkages. Yolanda Broyles-González | 1706 South Hall | 893-2073 | broyles@chicst.ucsb.edu
Research Project: NATIVE AMERICAN ELDERS PROJECT : CHUMASH, Undergraduate Contribution: This project has various different focal points. One part entails the gathering and/or transcription of testimony from Native elders. Another part of the project is the evaluation of Native oral tradition, both from elders and from other sources. Students may also conduct bibliographic research in the Library. Horacio N. Roque Ramirez | 1713 South
Hall | 893-5710 | roqueramirez@chicst.ucsb.edu
Research Project: My broad research project examines the historical formation and destruction of queer (lgbt) Latina and Latino communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, from the 1950s to the 1990s. I employ oral history and community-based archival methodologies. Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduate research support can come in various ways: examining secondary literature; reviewing and researching lgbt and Latino periodicals; transcribing and translating original documents (Spanish to English and viceversa); technical support including digitizing archival images; and researching other databases and sources to locate lgbt/queer Latina and Latino life and death. Requirements: The student should have some basic knowledge of lgbt/queer
and/or Chicana/o and Latina/o community life, and general interest
in the research process. Chela Sandoval | 1706 South Hall | 893-3363 or 893-3601 | sandoval@chicst.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Consciousness Studies. The intent of this project is to study the forms of consciousness developed in opposition to dominant social hierarchies.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates can contribute by collecting research in the library, on line, and through the study and collection of popular cultural forms, from television and film to newspaper and magazine artifacts. Telephone interviewing and filing of information is also useful.
Requirements: Good organizational skills.
Brice Erickson| 4057 HSSB | 893-6109 | berickson@classics.ucsb.edu | Research Project: This project involves archaeological work in Greece. I am curerntly preparing for publication a catalog of ancient Greek pottery and figurines from sanctuaries and tombs on the island of Greece. Undergraduate Contribution: An undergraduate can contribute by helping to proofread bibliographies and catalogs of material. In addition, knowledge of Adobe photoshop would be very helpful. This project will involve scanning in pencil drawings and photographs into a digital format. Ralph Gallucci | 4047 HSSB | 893-7224 | gallucci@classics.ucsb.edu | Research Project: (1) "Thucydides and the Myth of the Hoplite Oligarchy" investigates various problems in late fifth century Athenian politics, ideology, and constitutional history. (2)"Herododtus 2.125.6: the Inscription on the Great Pyramid of Cheops" examines the claims of the Greek historian Herodotus to have seen an inscription on the exterior of Cheops' pyramid. (3) "John Dryden on Ovid's Exile" discusses Dryden's views on Ovid's exile and his contributions to the scholarly record on this issue. Undergraduate Contribution: Student will initially read manuscripts and do some background reading in order to understand the material. Work to be done includes checking citations and quotations, proofing, doing bibliographical searches, checking-out/returning books and articles, and some photocopying and typing. Requirements: Upper-division course work in Classics or related
field. Knowledge of topics is not mandatory to start, but an interest
in learning about them is.
Tamara Afifi | 5836 Ellison |679-1812 | tafifi@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: Project : I have three projects going on with my undergraduate research assistants. For one of the major projects, four of the students are being trained on how to code avoidance behaviors of dating couples. They are watching videotaped conversations between dating partners and coding their verbal and nonverbal reactions to one another using a pre-determined list of Likert items. Undergraduate Contribution: We discuss the significance of the project throughout, how the project is conducted, why it is being conducted, etc.... They are crucial to the observational component of the project. They are coding behaviors as outside observers. At the end of the course, I'll then talk to them about what I expect to find, linking it back to the literature. Requirements: Comm major, GPA of 3.0, at least three classes in the major, junior or senior level standing. Cathy Boggs | 4814 Ellison Hall | 893-7105 | cboggs@comm.ucsb.edu http://www.comm.ucsb.edu/faculty/cboggs Research Projects: This project involves identifying and collecting Undergraduate Contributions: The undergraduate assistant will assist the professor locating Internet and published resources dealing with recent trends in communication careers and industries. In addition, the student will assist the professor in creating a list of contact people in the Santa Barbara community who are willing to speak in class or meet individually with students to discuss communication career issues. Requirements:Must meet communication department eligibility requirements (GPA and total units) for enrollment in Comm 199RA; prior enrollment in Comm 191b Cathy Boggs | 4814 Ellison Hall | 893-7105 | cboggs@comm.ucsb.edu http://www.comm.ucsb.edu/faculty/cboggs Research Projects: This project involves collecting audiovisual and written materials related to intercultural communication, and reviewing them for their suitability as educational materials for an upper division communication course on this topic. Undergraduate Contributions: With guidance, the undergraduate assistant will locate and review the following types of resources: on-campus film and DVD resources addressing specific aspects of intercultural communication; empirical studies and theoretical discussions on intercultural communication issues from the academic literature; and additional written and web-based resources illustrating key issues underlying specific intercultural conflict situations. Requirements: Junior or Senior with declared communication major; must meet communication department eligibility requirements for(3.0 GPA and total units) for enrollment in Comm 199RA. Cathy Boggs | 4814 Ellison Hall | 893-7105 | cboggs@comm.ucsb.edu http://www.comm.ucsb.edu/faculty/cboggs Research Projects: Development of an undergraduate course in business communication for non-majors. Undergraduate Contributions: The student will assist me in locating resources for the course, including videos, teaching materials, books, and exercises. We will meet once a week for 30 minutes to discuss the progress of the project. Requirements: Full communication major who has taken two or more classes from the following areas: Small Group Communication, Interviewing, Organizational Communication, Communication Internship. Andrew Flanagin | 5840 Ellison | 893-7892 | flanagin@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: Project 1: Research demonstrates that the Internet is used heavily to get information, particularly in relation to other technologies. This study explores the issues of media reliance and credibility by surveying users about their Internet usage and the level of skepticism they apply to information obtained from the Internet. Methods also include online experimentation that explores users' Web browsing behaviors and attitudes. Results will help to assess the types of information individuals get from the Internet, their perceptions of this information, and the effects on their media habits. Project 2: This study focuses on the effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) by examining two vital aspects of communication in the formation of interpersonal relationships. More specifically, this study examines perceptions of physical attractiveness and group identity in online interactions, in an attempt to discover the relative salience of these factors indyadic, cross-sex, computer-mediated communication. Project 3: Gender and computer-mediated communication. This study examines the communication between mixed-gender groups who interacted over an extended period of time using a web-based custom software package that provided asynchronous communication capabilities and text-based information sharing functions. The goal is to test a number of hypotheses on the use of advanced, computer-based communication and information technologies on communication between men and women. Undergraduate Contributions: Undergraduate Contributions: Project 1: Students will help with all aspects of this project, thus providing an excellent leaning experience on the entire research process. Specifically, students will: (a) perform literature searches on current research regarding Internet/WWW usage, (b) distribute surveys to adults in the community, (c) code and enter data from surveys, (d) provide feedback on drafts of the research article written by the professor, and (e) help to interpret the results and implications of the study based on the data that will be analyzed by the professor. Project 2: Students will perform three main tasks as part of this project. First, students will assist in a literature review of appropriate books and articles. Second, students will help to test and refine stimuli to be used in the experiment. Third, students will coordinate research subjects involved in this experiment. Project 3: Student working on this project will do three things. First, students will help to organize and code a large amount of text-based communication that took place among users. Second, students will assist in a thorough literature review to appropriate books and articles on group support technologies and related topics. Third, students will provide feedback on paper drafts written by the professor and will have the opportunity to offer their own ideas and interpretations on a regular basis. Requirements: Juniors or seniors in good academic standing.
Kathy Kellermann | 5808 Ellison | 893-8754 | kellerma@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: (1) "Trial Advocacy, Practical Argument, and Frames of Understanding." The research project is exploring high profile trials presented and framed in the media, by comparing transcripts and videos of what is said in the courtroom with headlines and contents of newspaper accounts relaying what occurred to the public. The project is ongoing, and currently involves analyzing the OJ Simpson Trials and the McVeigh Trial. New trials are added to the database as they occur, and transcripts/videos/media coverage makes possible. (2) "Healthy Persuasion." The research project involves helping design and implement a web page describing a nationally unique health education program referred to as "curriculum infusion." This education program has been the cornerstone of the persuasion class taught by Prof. Kellermann and developed in cooperation with Student Health Services Alcohol and Other Drug Education Program (under the direction of Judy Hearsom). The program's philosophy, history, and description along with the course's resources, references, and materials are being organized and made available to the wider campus and off-campus community. Requirements: (1), (2) Students are required to have upper-division standing, have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the preceding three quarters, and to write a paper at the end of each quarter in addition to engaging in the research work. Non-majors with appropriate skills and interests can be involved in these projects. (2) Communication 117 with Prof. Kellermann, and be interested in learning about health prevention programs on college campuses. Students must be familiar with and know either: (a) how to program web pages directly in HTML without need of a "packaged editor" (e.g.,, PageMill, etc.); (b) know web-based multimedia use skills (e.g. Photoshop), or; (c) know video editing/directing. Students should have a background and/or interest in at least one of the following: advertising, design, copy writing, editing, news writing, marketing, web-page construction, or any other related area. Further information can be obtained from professor or undergraduate advisor.
Miriam Metzger | 5814 Ellison |893-8237 | metzger@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: The Effects of Mood on Viewers? Reactions to
Negative and Positive Political Ads. Psychologists have theorized
about the relationship between mood and the ability to remember
emotionally valenced information. Applying these theories, this
study aims to explore the relationship between "private"
mood (an individuals? emotional state), "public" mood
(the emotional climate of the country), and memory for positively
(promotional) and negatively (attack) valenced Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduate Contribution: Students will help with all aspects of the research, including literature searches, and data collection, entry and analysis. Requirements: Communication majors must have upper-division standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the preceding 3 quarters. Interested juniors and senior in good academic standing from other majors may also participate. Robin Nabi | 5838 Ellison |893-4531 | nabi@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: Project 1: Perceptions and Effects of Reality-Based TV. Arguments abound for the negative effects of reality-based programming with little or purely anecdotal evidence. As part of a larger program of research, this study investigates the effects of cosmetic makeover reality-based programs on body satisfaction and perceptions of risk of plastic surgery. Project 2: Hope, Regret, and Distortions of Reality. This project investigates how emotions, particularly hope and regret, distort perceptions of event likelihood and personal control. Undergraduate Contribution: Though some data has already been collected, students will help at every stage of the research project, including literature searches; data entry, analysis, and interpretation; additional data collection; and design of additional research projects. Requirements: Communication majors must have upper-division standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the preceding 3 quarters. Interested juniors and seniors in good academic standing from other majors may also participate. Robin Nabi | 5838 Ellison |893-4531 | nabi@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: Framing of Broadcast Health News: This project involves a comprehensive analysis of broadcast health news for the purpose of understanding how presentation of health information impacts viewers' health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Undergraduate Contribution: Students will help with all aspects of the research, including literature searches, content analysis of news programs, stimuli design, data collection, entry and analysis, depending on skill level and needs of the project. Requirements: Communication majors must have upper-division standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the preceding 3 quarters. Interested juniors and seniors in good academic standing from other majors may also participate. Robin Nabi | 5838 Ellison |893-4531 | nabi@comm.ucsb.edu Research Projects: Project : Investigation of health information in broadcast news, focusing specifically on stories evoking fear and hope and how such stories impact risk perception and personal health behaviors. Undergraduate Contribution: Research assistants will initially help collect broadcast news stories fitting study parameters from databases and code stories for emotion-laden information. Eventually, assistants will help with data collection and entry for the experimental component of the research. Requirements: Communication or psychology majors with 3.5 GPA or higher.
Eric Prieto | 5320 Phelps Hall | 893-8683 | prieto@french-ital.ucsb.edu Research Project: A study of France's banlieues and immigrant neighborhoods, as depicted in literature, film, and the journalistic media, and as studied by sociologists. Undergraduate Contribution: I'm looking for someone who can help me with bibliographic research, locating materials and photocopying, preliminary review of the scholarly materials, and some light editing of manuscripts. Requirements: Good knowledge of French is preferred but not an absolute requirement. Also some familiarity with library research techniques (esp. use of online databases and bibliographies, although I can provide some training). No listings.
Crystal Martin | 2015D Broida | 893-8760 | cmartin@physics.ucsb.edu | http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~cmartin/ Research Project: My astrophysics group at UCSB is studying the formation and evolution of galaxies. We are particularly interested in understanding (1) how the star formation rate is regulated in galaxies and (2) the cosmological impact of galactic winds. We obtain optical data at the UC/CIT Keck Observatory in Hawaii and UV/X-ray data with NASA satellites (Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra). We use computers to analyze the electronic pictures and spectra and measure physical quantities like rotation speeds, outflow speeds, elemental abundances, gas temperature, and ionization state in galaxies near and far. Undergraduate Contribution: The projects available for undergrads are constantly changing. Some examples include (1) Writing computer scripts to help automate our data reduction pipelines, (2) Searching large astronomical databases for galaxies that meet a certain set of criteria, and (3) Making movies for powerpoint presentations that illustrate simple astrophysical concepts. More advanced projects, suitable for a senior thesis, are available for qualified students. For example, one student used a spectrum of a distant galaxy to derive the chemical enrichment history of the galaxy. Requirements: Enrollment in Phys 132 or Phys 133 highly recommended. Most be comfortable operating a computer with Unix or Redhat Linux operating system. Example, can you list the files in your directory and check to see how much disk space is available? Some experience with computer programming. We use mainly Fortran, C++, Perl, and Python. It really doesn't matter what language you have used but that you have some experience with writing a simple program. If you cannot spend 9 hours a week on a project, do not inquire. No listings.
Risa Brainin | Old Gym 101H | 893-2452 | rbrainin@dramadance.ucsb.edu
Research Project: I am a director who is writing a book on collaboration in the theatre with three theatre designers. As a team, we have worked together for nearly 10 years on over 25 plays. We are having a series of conversations that will be edited and formed into the main text for the book. As we live in three different cities, we expect this work to take up to two years to complete the first draft.
Undergraduate Contribution: The team is recording the conversations on collaboration, and we need someone to transcribe the recordings and help us to edit them. An estute and objective listener can be invaluable to this process. At this point, our conversations have a seemingly random quality to them. A student could help us to shape the information into a logical and cohesive format.
Requirements: Familiarity with theatre collaborations. Strong typing and computer skills.
Claire Conceison | 893-3014 | conceison@dramadance.ucsb.edu
Research Project: This project is a collaboration between Professor Conceison and Ying Ruocheng to write his autobiography (in English). Ying is a famous actor, director, translator, and important political figure in mainland China whose life experiences encompass some of the most exciting developments in political, artistic and intellectual life in 20th century China. This collaboration is an unusual example of cross-cultural literary partnership, and this research opportunity allows an undergraduate to be part of that process. The student will learn about events in China such as the Anti-Japanese War, the Cultural Revolution, and China's opening to the West in the 1980s and get an "inside look" through Ying's perspective. This project is best for students interested in theatre, contemporary Chinese history, and/or autobiography as a literary genre.
Undergraduate Contribution: The first phase of the research will involve typing transcripts from the audio and video tapes of interviews with Mr. Ying that Professor Conceison collected in May. Weekly meetings will be used to discuss interesting topics that came up while transcribing, and further research will be done by the student (electronically and/or in the library) to find information about people and events that are central to Ying's stories. Later, information from this research will be used to write footnotes for his narrative. We will also discuss the process of collaborative autobiography, and if the student wishes, he/she can join the professor in reading about the genre of autobiography and look at samples of other autobiographical partnerships.
Requirements: No prior knowledge of theatre or Chinese history/society is required, but it is helpful. Access to a computer (Mac or PC) and to either a tape recorder or VCR are necessary. NO previous experience transcribing or conducting research is required: the professor can help students learn these skills.
Bradley Hacker | 2120 Webb Hall |
893-7952 | hacker@geol.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Investigation of the histories of deformed metamorphic rocks
Undergraduate Contribution: Assist in the preparation of rocks for petrological, structural, and geochronological work. Collect data on the pressure-temperature and deformation histories of rocks using electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, electron-back scatter diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence imaging or other techniques.
Requirements: Basic petrology, geochronology, or structural geology courses of equivalent expertise/interest. William Prothero | 1051 Webb Hall | 893-3308 | prothero@geol.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Multi-Media for Oceanography
Undergraduate Contribution: Creation of components for a rendered 3-dimensional representation of the terrain and its creatures at a deep ocean ridge/vent system. This involves using a 3-D computer modeling and rendering program to make realistic images of animals and geological structures found by researchers on the seafloor. Help on the creation of a "virtual science meeting." This involves creating animated "scientists" and creating and testing content for the science meeting.
Requirements: Computer art skills. The students must be familiar with computer graphics programs, such as Adobe Photoshop. A course in computer art is preferable. Earth science knowledge is helpful, and may substitute for computer skills, to some extent. Frank Spera | 2118 Webb Hall | 893-4880
| spera@geol.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Study of the structure and properties of molten silicates using the technique of Molecular Dynamics simulation
Undergraduate Contribution: Learn to use a supercompter to model geomaterials at the atomic level and contribute to the understanding of geomaterials at high temperature and pressure especially the liquid state.
Requirements: UNIX familiarity, ability to run large FORTRAN or C++ code, no fear of complex scientific numerical simulation
Toshiro Tanimoto | 2114 Webb Hall
| 893-8375 | toshiro@geol.ucsb.edu |
Research Project: The basic theme is to monitor waves/vibrations in the solid earth to learn about changes in the environment. Currently, two specific projects are pursued. (1) Ocean-Solid earth interaction. Analysis of seismic data on "seismically-quiet" days show interaction between earth and ocean/atmosphere. (2) Monitoring of microseisms (seismic noise with peirods about 7 seconds) provides us information about water content in the shallow crust. The plan to is establish new methods to monitor such chnages in shallow crust.
Undergraduate Contribution: Students will perform analysis of digital seismic data. Analysis is done mostly by using computers. Some knowledge of computer and programming skills are preferable.
Requirements: Experience with computer languages C, Java, Fortran are desirable but are not required. David Valentine | 2116 Webb Hall | 893-2973 | valentine@geol.ucsb.edu | http://www.geol.ucsb.edu/faculty/valentine/ Research Project: The Valentine Lab has opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research projects. 1) Coal Oil Point hydrocarbon seeps. We are currently studying the chemistry and microbiology of hydrocarbon seep environments and are looking for an undergraduate interested in applying analytical tools to understand petroleum composition and reactivity. 2) Membrane lipids produced by sulfate reducing bacteria. We are looking for an undergraduate interested in growing microorganisms and analyzing the metabolic products - for the purpose of understanding natural environments.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates will participate in all aspects of the research, collecting/analyzing samples and assisting with experiments. We are looking for a multi-quarter commitment.
Requirements: Upper division coursework in the natural sciences.
EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND CULTURAL STUDIES Sabine Fruhstuck | 2232 HSSB | 893-5123
| fruhstuck@eastasian.ucsb.edu Research Project: The expansion of a database of Japan-related visuals. Undergraduate Contribution: An undergraduate with experience in web and database would add additional images to the website, keyword them, and thus make them available for my classes. Requirements: Technical skills involving web and database work; pronounced sense of responsibility to do this perfectly and reliably. Sabine Fruhstuck | 2232 HSSB | 893-5123
| fruhstuck@eastasian.ucsb.edu Research Project: Research into a computer game produced in Russia. Undergraduate Contribution: A research assistant would do extensive web searches on the game, its producers, production details, distribution, economic details etc. Requirements: Basic web research skills; Russian native speaker or fluent. Sabine Fruhstuck | 2232 HSSB | 893-5123
| fruhstuck@eastasian.ucsb.edu Research Project: Bibliographic research; put a bibliography together of scholarly texts on childhood and militarism and militarization in Russia. Undergraduate Contribution: A research assistant would do extensive bibliographic database searches on the topic noted above in English and Russian. Requirements: Library catalogue and bibliographic database research skills; Russian native speaker or fluent. Sabine Fruhstuck | 2232 HSSB | 893-5123
| fruhstuck@eastasian.ucsb.edu Research Project: Bibliographic research; put a bibliography together of scholarly texts on childhood and militarism and militarization in China. Undergraduate Contribution: A research assistant would do extensive bibliographic database searches on the topic noted above in English and Chinese. Requirements: Library catalogue and bibliographic database research skills; Chinese native speaker or fluent. Sabine Fruhstuck | 2232 HSSB | 893-5123
| fruhstuck@eastasian.ucsb.edu Research Project: This project examines visual and textual representations of various military establishments in the popular culture of Japan, China, Korea, Russia,Germany and the U.S. during the twentieth century. Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduate research assistant would contribute to the project in two ways: first, put together a bibliography of scholarly works on the subject on any or all of the countries listed above (except for Japan), depending on the student's language skills; under my guidance, a first rough analysis of the material or part of the material could also be part of the project.Second, identify collections of the relevant primary material in U.S. libaries. Requirements: The applicant must have excellent language skills in one of the above languages and be able to write sufficiently well in English; familiarity with databases; use of a computer. Kathryn Lowry | 2227 HSSB | 893-7744 | klowry@eastasian.ucsb.edu
Research Project: (1) Uses of print in 16th and 17th century China. This study explores the way commercial editions of drama, popular song, and practical guides were used in a time of expanding literacy, looking at changing formats, contents, readership. Explores the impact of print on culture in the early modern period in China and changing conceptions of the popular voice in Chinese literature. (2) Translation of an experimental drama by a Shanghai woman playwright, with the intent of staging the play at UCSB in 2000-01. Typing translation and reading for style and sense.
Undergraduate Contribution: Borrow library books, xerox, search for Western comparative sources on literacy, vernacular literature and performance practice. Check translations Chinese to English. Ability to read Japanese or German materials very helpful.
Requirements: Students with advanced Chinese language ability preferred. Students are required to have upper division standing and to have a minimum 3.0 GPA for the preceding two quarters.
Hyung Il Pai | 2335 HSSB | 893-2245 | hyungpai@eastasian.ucsb.edu Research Project: Digital "Monuments and Museums" of Korea Data-Base and on-line Teaching Archive. The aim of my project is to create a digital data-base of my newly acquired research and teaching materials from Korea such as archaeological maps, excavations sites reports, slides and print photographs of cultural remains, historical monuments, museum architecture, art exhibitions as well as museum catalogs. My research goal is to study and document the museum system and tourist industry in Korea from a truly inter-disciplinary perspective that would embrace not only the history, but the politics, policies, and people who were instrumental in the "objectification" and "codification" of Korean art and architecture in the last century. My future goal is to design an on-line Web Resource for teaching, and to make its images and contents accessible to my students taking my Korean history and anthropology classes. Undergraduate Contribution: My research trips in recent years has resulted in the accumulation of a wealth of materials in many different mediums from glossy tourism posters, post cards, printed maps, admissions tickets to newspaper advertisements, and videos in addition to the above mentioned printed materials such as reports, books, and catalogues. This student will assist me in transforming thousands of hard copy archival materials and slides into a single uniform digital storage format with the aid of my scanner, a digital camera and removable large capacity storage JAZ drive. This project will also enable the future addition and integration of film and video clips as well as recordings of personal interviews I plan to conduct in my future field-work. Requirements: I want to work with a computer knowledgeable undergraduate student, capable of working with graphics and web designing software such as Adobe photoshop/illustrator on Power Macs. Knowledge of the Korean language is also a plus.
ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND MARINE BIOLOGY
Bradley Cardinale | Room 216, BLDG
408| 893-4156 | cardinale@lifesci.ucsb.edu | Research Project: The Cardinale Lab is looking for 1-2 undergraduates to assist with ongoing research projects that examine how species extinction impacts water quality in freshwater habitats (streams, rivers, and lakes). This project is motivated by the fact that many scientists argue we are now facing the 6th mass extinction of life on the planet. Unfortunately, we have almost no idea how the well being of our own species might be linked to the great variety of life that is the most striking feature of our planet. My lab uses ecological theory, experiments, and observational studies to address questions aimed at understanding how human alteration of the environment impacts the diversity of species in natural habitats and, in turn, how this loss can affect processes that are fundamental to all life. Ultimately, my research serves to guide efforts to conserve and restore whole ecosystems. Undergraduate Contribution: Assistants will help maintain biological cultures, set-up experiments and process samples from those experiments. These are paid positions that start at $8.50 per hour. Applicants must be able to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week, but may work up to a maximum of 20. Requirements: No prior experience is necessary. However, students must be serious, enthusiastic, and show the attention to detail that is typical of careful researchers. I am especially looking for those who are majoring in some aspect of ecology or environmental science, and who want to gain valuable experience while becoming a fully participating member of a lab. Applicants should send an email to Dr. Brad Cardinale (cardinale@lifesci.ucsb.edu) stating your background and experience, your major with GPA, and any relevant courses you have taken. Attach your resume if available. Peter Collins | 2139 BIO II | 893-4425
| collins@lifesci.ucsb.edu | Research Project: The overall research objective is to determine the influence of environmental and hormonal factors on the constituent phases of embryo and larval development as they occur within the ovaries of viviparous nearshore rockfish (Sebastes spp). Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduate will be responsible for validating protocols for incubating embryos and larvae aspirated from the ovaries of rockfish at various stages of development. The student will carry out incubations at different osmolalities and in the presence of various potential growth promoting factors. The student will assess development by morphometric analysis of fresh specimens and histological sections. Requirements: Satisfactory grade in EEMB 156 or comparable course work in vertebrate reproductive physiology.
John Endler | 2249B Noble Hall | 893-5826 | endler@lifesci.ucsb.edu | Research Project: We are interested in the interaction between bird color vision, bird color patterns, microhabitat choice and mating success, particularly in Australian Bowerbirds. We are investigating behavioral strategies which maximize visual contrast to birds during the displays. Undergraduate Contribution: Project 1: We have a large number of video tapes of bird displays and undergraduates can help by recording the behavior and light environments (e.g. sunflecks) during the displays. Project 2: A separate project involves looking at the solar path through the canopy above each bower to predict behavior as well as describe bower, abandoned bower and non-bower sites. Requirements: Someone who is never in a hurry and likes details, and someone who is very careful. Computer skills would also be a plus for project 2.
Thomas Even | LSB 4322 | 893-2904
| even@lifesci.ucsb.edu | Research Project: Earn credit working on a project to study the interactions among stream predators and their prey. The research objectives are to understand how the outcomes of interactions among stream predators and their prey change under different environmental conditions (substratum size, current speed, detritus levels, etc.), which vary over the stream bottom. In short, this proposed project would provide data, which will resolve some of the current controversies surrounding the context-dependency of predator impacts. Students with interests in freshwater population and community ecology, and fisheries biology are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate Contribution: We are looking for 1-2 committed undergraduates seeking research experience. These individuals will help set up and run field experiments that manipulate stream predators and their prey under a wide spectrum of local environmental conditions. Students will also be involved in laboratory identification of organisms and data analysis. Students who excel at these activities will be invited to pursue independent research opportunities. Requirements: The student applicant must be in good academic standing and must be enrolled and maintain undergraduate status at UCSB throughout the project. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and must be enrolled in or have completed the Introductory Biology series (MCDB 1A, MCDB 1B, EEMB 2, EEMB 3). Completion of Ecology (EEMB 120) is recommended but not required. Susan Mazer | 4119 LSB | 893-8011
| mazer@lifesci.ucsb.edu
Research Project: "Comparative reproductive biology of outcrossing and selfing wildflower species: the evolution of life history, mating system, and physiology": In this five-year project, we are testing several new predictions concerning the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of self-fertilization (relative to outcrossing by insect-pollination) in a group of closely related species in the genus Clarkia. We are using a combination of greenhouse experiments (using quantitative genetics and selective breeding) and field studies (population biology, physiology, and pollination ecology) to learn how these species adapt to their arid habitats in the Sierra Nevada of California. In 2007 and 2008, we will conduct a large greenhouse experiment to understand the genetic basis of a variety of reproductive and life history traits. This study will determine whether life history schedules and physiological performance are genetically linked to the tendency to self-fertilize such that, when one trait undergoes evolutionary change, the other traits must evolve simultaneously. The study of this kind of "evolutionary constraint" is at the heart of many evolutionary studies, and can help us to predict how multiple traits "co-evolve". Undergraduate Contribution: Each year, I invite 4 - 6 undergraduates into the lab to work 8 - 10 hours per week, including weekly meetings in which we review our progress and discuss the concepts underlying our work and the experimental designs we're using to address evolutionary questions. During their independent and/or team-based work, students learn and gain hands-on experience in basic quantitative genetics, plant breeding, evolution by natural selection, and mating system evolution. Students gain skills in a variety of lab techniques (image analysis, particle-counting, floral dissection, hand-pollination, computer-assisted data entry, and statistical analysis) and field methods (discovery of wild populations, seed collection, and floral sampling and preparation). Once trained, undergraduates have a great deal of independence to design and to conduct their own research projects, but they must have the time to spend a minimum of 8 hours per week in the lab (hours are flexible). Requirements: Students need to have mastered the basics of mendelian genetics and the theory of evolution by natural selection. Helpful courses include: EEMB 127 (Introduction to Botany), 29 (Introductory Genetics), 130 (Population Genetics), 131 (Principles of Evolution), 135 (Evolutionary Ecology), and 137 (Plant Paleobiology). However, many students who have mastered EEMB 3C (the sections in Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity) - have done very well in the lab. Susan Mazer | 1250 Noble Hall | 893-8011
| mazer@lifesci.ucsb.edu Research Project: Interested in plants? Excited about learning new skills in laboratory or field research? This quarter you can earn credit working on a project to study the evolutionary ecology of California native grasslands. Local plant populations often form "ecotypes" or distinct genotypes adapted to specific environmental conditions. Our research aims to understand the factors (soils, climate, and geographic distance) that influence the adaptation of native plants to their local environment, and the consequences of moving locally adapted seeds to new sites to restore native grasslands. Interns will participate in seed germination experiments, greenhouse and garden growth studies, and preparation and analyses of soils collected on the Channel Islands. Students with interests in molecular genetics should ask about possible participation in a population genetic (DNA) study of three native grass species. Dedicated students are needed to help learn more about this critical ecosystem! Please email us to find out more. Internships are based in the lab of Professor Susan Mazer. Contact Dr. Kristina Hufford for details (hufford@lifesci.ucsb.edu) Undergraduate Contribution: Contribution: Students will participate in an experimental garden study to detect adaptive variation among populations of Channel Island and mainland native California grass species. Requirements: Qualified students will have completed the Introductory
Biology series, and will be especially familiar with ecological,
evolutionary and genetic concepts. Todd Oakley | 408 Building, Room 216 | 893-4715 | oakley@lifesci.ucsb.edu http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/eemb/labs/oakley/
Research Project: Estimating divergence times between species is an important component of many evolutionary studies. Our lab is establishing a database called FAMED (Fossil and Molecular Estimates of Divergences) which will integrate data from the fossil record with data from DNA sequences of species. The database will be implemented online with tools for data analysis.
Undergraduate Contribution: Students with a computer background could assist with the online implementation of the database. Students with a background in geology or evolution could assist by performing library research and compiling data on the fossil record.
Requirements: Either 1) Those interested in the computational aspects of the project should be experienced with PERL, Java, or mySQL. OR 2) Those interested in the paleontological aspects should have taken courses in Geology or Biology.
Theodore Bergstrom | 2052 North Hall
| 893-3744 | tedb@econ.ucsb.edu
Research Project: I am doing research on pricing and demand for academic journals as well as on pricing of college textbooks and the used textbook market.
Undergraduate Contribution: A student assistant would help me to gather data from books, web sources, and/or surveys.
Requirements: Student should have an interest in economic research.
EDUCATION (Gevirtz Graduate School)
Requirements: Social science students who are bright, motivated, and self-directed with strong interpersonal, organizational, and critical thinking skills. SPSS knowledge is a plus, but willing to train. Richard Duran | 2317 Phelps Hall | 893-3555 | duran@education.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Three projects are available. 1) Enlace Project: Local Latino families and students attending Isla Vista and Goleta Valley Junior High are assisted in evaluating students' academic progress towards completion of high school, and planning and preparation for college.2) Club Proteo: This is an after school computer club for elementary school children based at the Goleta Boys and Girls Club in downtown "old" Goleta. 3) Parents and Children Computer Project: This is an afterschool computer learning and educational enhancement activity based at Isla Vista School.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates help parents and students learn about the requirements of school and planning for college. Undergraduates learn ethnographic research skills and techniques of action research under the supervision of faculty and advanced graduate students. Undergraduates interested in teacher education can apply to have field work hours count as part of their application to a teacher education program.
Requirements: There are no course prerequisites. Knowledge of Spanish is not required but is helpful. Michael Gerber | 2327 Phelps Hall
| 893-4439 | mgerber@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: Students at Harding Elementary are given specialized instruction by undergraduate tutors. The tutors are trained in the Core Intervention Model and Behavior Management strategies to effectively teach struggling students in a small group setting. The Core Intervention model provides specific instruction to systematically reduce the cognitively complex demands until the student is able to respond correctly. Following a direct instruction approach, this type of instruction was specifically designed for at risk English Language Learners. To effectively teach in a small group setting, tutors will learn research based practices to reduce or eliminate problematic behaviors. The combination of these approaches will allow tutors to teach listening comprehension in a small group setting during a twenty-minute time period. Undergraduate Contribution: Working as part of a team, undergraduates will take observational data on tutors' ability to implement the Core Intervention Model correctly and use of effective behavioral techniques to decrease or prevent inappropriate student behaviors. Undergraduates will participate in team meetings, assist with library research, data input and data analysis. Tania Israel | 1320 Phelps Hall |
893-5008 | tisrael@education.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Undergraduate assistance is needed on several projects: 1) HEALTH EDUCATION EVALUATION - research team investigates health promotion strategies for college students, 2) COUNSELING LGBT CLIENTS - several research teams explore various aspects of providing effective counseling services for sexual minority clients, 3) GENDER AND FEMINIST PSYCHOLOGY - research team conducts research on various aspects of gender and feminism. Additional information on research projects can be found at http://www.education.ucsb.edu/tisrael/research.html.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduate students can assist with library research, data collection, and data entry. In addition, they will attend meetings and participate in discussions about research conceptualization, design, and analysis.
Requirements: Sophomore or upper-division standing with 3.0 GPA. Willing to commit to at least one quarter, preferably two, and expect to work 3-4 hours per unit of course credit.
Shane Jimerson | 2208 Phelps Hall
| 893-3366 | jimerson@education.ucsb.edu
Research Projects: (1) Project LOSS explores the reactions and transitions of children and adolescent's following the death of a loved one. We engage in research activities aimed at better understanding bereavement experiences of children and teens. Ultimately, we will design developmentally appropriate support services for children, adolescents and families. (2) The Santa Barbara Challenge II Project utilizes a family-focused neighborhood-based supervision model to provide services to criminally involved families with identified substance abuse problems living in two adjacent targeted neighborhoods in the City of Santa Barbara. Our research activities are aimed at better understanding the outcomes for participating teens and their families. (3) The ORAL-J research team explores early reading predictors and trajectories. The focus of this research is on children in first, second, and third grade. The assessment strategy is based on a continuous progress monitoring design which allows educational professionals to look at reading gains across time. The goals of this project include; providing educational professionals with necessary information to identify young children for in need of intervention services, to monitor progress of these students following interventions, and to evaluate the progress of all students.
Undergraduate Contribution: Research assistants' responsibilities include designing and preparing data collection packets, gathering and reviewing relevant literature, and processing, managing and examining data. Projects during a given quarter vary, but will always include reading and writing about the topic of the research study and assisting with data collection and management. Students are trained to use library resources and learn new software including Endnotes, SPSS, Teleform, Word, Netscape Navigator, and Netscape Composer. In addition, attendance at weekly project meetings enhances understanding of issues and concerns related to the project. All activities are documented on each research assistants' activity sheet. These activities and experiences will better prepare you for graduate school and other opportunities. Research assistants work closely with doctoral students and Dr. Jimerson. Hours per week will vary (usually 3-5) and students may enroll in 1-3 credits of ED 199RA per quarter.
Requirements: Junior and sophomore social science majors are preferred. It is important that students are comfortable using computers. Prior experience with software such as Teleform, SPSS, Word, Netscape are especially beneficial, however, we are willing to provide training on each of these. In addition, strong organizational, analytic, and interpersonal skills are helpful. No prior research experience is required. Bryan Kim | 1321 Phelps Hall | 893-4018
| bkim@education.ucsb.edu
Research Projects: The purpose of this research study is to examine cultural values among Latino/a Americans and develop an instrument to assess these values.
Undergraduate Contribution: Research assistants will: (1)become familiar with cultural values among Latina/o Americans by reading relevant articles, (2)administer questionnaires to participants, (3) assist in data entry, and (4) participate in analyzing data and interpreting the results.
Requirements: Interest in multicultural counseling issues.
Bryan Kim | 1321 Phelps Hall | 893-4018
| bkim@education.ucsb.edu
Research Projects: The project will study the psychological and mental health needs of Asian Americans and investigate the effectiveness of various counseling strategies designed for these individuals.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduate assistants will do the following: 1. Become familiar with mental health needs among Asian Americans. 2. Help recruit Asian American participants. 3. Administer questionnaires to participants 4. Assist in training counselors. 5. Help implement the counseling sessions (does NOT mean serving as a counselor) 6. Help enter data. 7. Help analyze the data and interpret results.
Requirements: Interest in Asian American psychology. Interest in learning more about a helping profession (e.g., counseling psychology). Robert Koegel | Phelps 1328 | 893-8136 | koegel@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: Research and treatment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and other severe disabilities. Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates provide assistance,
which includes scoring of videotapes and other types of data collection,
to graduate students in various federal, state, and local research
projects. Additional information on federal (e.g., NIH, USDE), state,
and local Requirements: 3.5 GPA or higher with interest in psychology or special education. Prior experience with children is beneficial. Jin Sook Lee | 2215 Phelps Hall | 893-2872 | jslee@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: The goals of this project are(1) to document and understand the social and academic trajectories of bilingual students; (2) to examine the process of English language development in a dual language immersion educational setting and (3) to investigate the motivations, attitudes, and language ideologies of parents and students, who have elected to attend a dual language immersion program. Undergraduate Contribution: The primary tasks of the undergraduate researchers are to transcribe interviews and conduct literature searches (library, web, databases, etc.) on topics as well as assist with video and survey data entry. Requirements: Good communication and organizational skills are required. Spanish/English bilingual proficiency and experience with media software are highly desired. Jin Sook Lee | 2215 Phelps Hall | 893-2872 | jslee@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: The project seeks to understand the influences of popular culture and the internet on attitudes and motivations toward heritage language maintenance for second generation Korean American youths. Undergraduate Contribution: The RA will assist in the creation of a questionnaire, the distribution of the questionnaire, data entry and literature review. Requirements: The RA should have strong oral and written communication skills and have good organizational skills. Some level of proficiency in Korean is preferred. Roxanne Moschetti | Phelps 2206 | 893-8324 | rmoschet@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: Realizing that thousands of low socioeconomic status (SES) Caucasian students make the transition from home into college; my goal is to investigate how these students manage their new lives. Holding race and ethnicity constant, this study will focus strictly on class. My objective is to measure the effects of a number of resource related, social, and motivational variables on these students? adjustment and persistence. I will address these interconnected research questions: How do these students manage the unfamiliar demands of college life? What are the challenges these students experience upon entering academia? How do they perceive themselves as lower class white students in the academy? Where have they found the most support? What are their future plans? Undergraduate Contribution: Participants will complete a detailed demographic questionnaire followed by a survey of family and high school background, college experiences, social networks, academic adjustment, and future aspirations. The questionnaire and survey will be administered and collected by myself and the undergraduate research assistant. Following collection the assistant and I will cooperatively code and enter the data under the supervision of Dr. Cynthia Hudley, my advisor and mentor. Requirements: No course prerequisites are necessary; however, it is preferred (not required) that the student has completed a statistics course. Jasonn Duque Raley | 2330 Phelps Hall | 893-5367 | raley@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: The goals of this project are(1) to document and understand the social and academic trajectories of bilingual students; (2) to examine the process of English language development in a dual language immersion educational setting and (3) to investigate the motivations, attitudes, and language ideologies of parents and students, who have elected to attend a dual language immersion program. Undergraduate Contribution: The primary tasks of the undergraduate researchers are to transcribe interviews and conduct literature searches (library, web, databases, etc.) on topics as well as assist with video and survey data entry. Requirements: Good communication and organizational skills are required. Spanish/English bilingual proficiency and experience with media software are highly desired. Laura Romo | 2217 Phelps Hall | 893-3081
| lromo@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: The project consists of helping Latino families, specifically Latina mothers and daughters. Part of the study is to collect survey/interview data, pre and post, of a series of workshops. Three workshops are conducted monthly on mother-daughter communication on sexuality. The topics covered during the workshops include menstruation, HIV/AIDS transmission, anatomy, and effective strategies to improve communication. The overall goal of the program is to develop culturally sensitive programs for Latino families. Undergraduate Contribution: The undergraduates will contribute to the project by conducting surverys/interviews, data transcription, coding, and data entry among other duties. During the evenings we conduct survey/interviews with mothers and their daughters. The role of the undergraduate is to greet the families, take the leadership role in collecting data, and providing answers to any questions that the mothers or daughters may have. In addiction, undergraduates engage in recruitment of participants by going to schools and parent meetings with the help of coordinators of the project. Once participants are recruited and data is collected, undergraduates participate in a variety of methods of data analysis. During this time I hope to have each student beging their line of research, by encouraging them to submit their own small project grants. Moreover, have the undergraduate be involved in conference presentations in partnership with the graduate students in my lab. Requirements: Undergraduates are required to have taken courses in methodology in psychology, sociology, or a related field. Courses in child development and human sexuality are encouraged. We ask that they have at least a 3.0 GPA and can participate in the lab for at least 2 units and for more than one school quarter. Steven Smith | 1331 Phelps Hall |
893-5141 | ssmith@education.ucsb.edu Research Project: Varous projects related to psychological assessment, measurement of ADHD, and learning disabilities. Undergraduate Contribution: Data entry, manuscript and poster preparation. Requirements: Psychology major and/or applied psychology minor. GPA of 3.5 or above. Interest in attending graduate school in psychology. ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING Joao Hespanha | 5157 Eng I | 893-7042 | hespanha@ece.ucsb.edu | http://www.ece.ucsb.edu/~hespanha Research Project: This project aims at developing software to enable mobile robots to navigate in an indoors environment using visual landmarks. These landmarks (e.g., “bar-codes” on the walls of a room or on a corridor) enable the robot to determine its positions inside a building or a room. To accomplish this, research is needed to find the visual landmarks, track them in the field of view of a camera as the robot moves, and use them to locate determine the position of the robot with respect to these landmarks. Undergraduate Contribution: The tasks envisioned for an undergraduate student consist of: (1) reading a few selected papers on algorithms for finding and tracking visual landmarks in images and (2) implementing and improving these algorithms on one of our mobile robots (PIONEER DX). The main challenge is that the algorithms developed will need to be fast (the processing of each image should take no more than 20ms). Time permitting, the project will be extended to a distributed architecture where the information collected by the cameras of one robot is shared by multiple computers (some inside other mobile robots others on desktops). Requirements: To complete this project a student must be familiar with C or C++ and the Linux operating system. Some basic knowledge of computer networks will be useful.
Carol Pasternack | 2704 South Hall | 893-8429 | cpaster@english.ucsb.edu
Research Project: I'm working on a book on "Sex and Text in Anglo-Saxon England," which involves analysis of a variety of texts from 7th- to 11th-century Britain, ranging from laws to poetry. My book shows how texts shaped ideas about sex and sexuality that are still with us today.
Undergraduate Contribution: An undergraduate who knows Old English and/or Latin and is meticulous about details can help with transcriptions of manuscripts as well as research on existing scholarship.
Requirements: Ability to read Old English (the original language of Beowulf) and/or Latin; also, ability to do library research.
Chela Sandoval | 1706 South Hall | 893-3363 or 893-3601 | sandoval@chicst.ucsb.edu
Research Project: Consciousness Studies. The intent of this project is to study the forms of consciousness developed in opposition to dominant social hierarchies.
Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates can contribute by collecting research in the library, on line, and through the study and collection of popular cultural forms, from television and film to newspaper and magazine artifacts. Telephone interviewing and filing of information is also useful.
Requirements: Good organizational skills.
David Cleveland | 2309 Girvetz Hall | 893-7502 | clevelan@lifesci.ucsb.edu
Research Project: This project will interview food consumers and producers in Santa Barbara County about their knowledge, attitudes and practices (purchasing, eating) regarding genetically engineered crop varieties and foods made from them. Data will be analyzed to test hypotheses about relationships among knowledge, attitudes and practices, and between these and demographic and other variables.
Undergraduate Contribution: An undergraduate could contribute to this research by assisting with literature review, interviews, and data entry and analysis. Interviews will be carried out in Santa Barbara Country with consumers at different types of food stores, and with farmers, which will require the student to provide own transportation, to be comfortable in talking with strangers, and to be able to ask questions with minimal biasing of the interviewees. Requirements: No specific course prerequisites, but courses in statistics, survey methodology, genetics, agriculture, nutrition, law, and social sciences, will be a plus. Upper division standing required. Carla D'Antonio | 4312L Bren | 893-2796 | dantonio@es.ucsb.edu Research Project: We are investigating how and why some species of non-native plants successfully invade California wildland plant communities and then displace native species. Towards that goal we are studying plant species traits,community characteristics and abiotic processes that determine invasion success and impact. We are studying invasive European and African grasses and invasive vines. Our work involves both laboratory, greenhouse and field studies mostly focused in the Santa Barbara region. Undergraduate Contribution: Undergraduates can work on any portions of these pro |