Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media
Explore the various projects below categorized under the general theme of Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media. Be sure to return to the Barrett College Fellows Program main page and explore projects under the other 11 themes as well. You might be surprised at what you find and maybe you will discover the perfect research project for what you hope to study!
Please do not contact the research centers or faculty listed below directly (a formal application process is a required step to joining these research opportunities).
For questions about the Barrett College Fellows Program or specific research projects, please contact Dr. Sarah Graff at: [email protected].
Research projects
Project # 145
Center name: MSD, Space Architecture & Extreme Environments (SAEE)
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Elena Rocchi
Project description
Barrett Honors students will participate in SAEE Barrett Research programs, including: 1) Working in the labs of the Interplanetary Initiative, The Next Lab, and the Luminosity Lab, contributing to cutting-edge science, with one student per lab. 2) Engaging in supply chain management within the Business program to contribute to designing the first Starbucks in space, with one student. 3) Participating in the SAEE Barrett Global Flex program in Rome, one of the space capitals of the world, providing an ideal environment for this program and open to all. The faculty lead is Elena Rocchi, working in collaboration with the different lab directors, program heads, and faculty abroad. By the time of application, new opportunities in labs and cities may arise, so students are encouraged to schedule a meeting with me, as the leading faculty member, to discuss available placements and opportunities in more detail.
Special skills needed
Self-Time Management; Design Capacity and Interest in Making Things; Collaboration and Teamwork; Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving; Adaptability and Flexibility; Attention to Detail; Interpersonal and Cross-Cultural Communication; Initiative and Drive; Technical Competency; Global PerspectiveArchitecture
Industrial Design
Graphic Design (for virtual simulations/technologies)
Computer Science (for virtual simulations/technologies)
Design, Arts
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Urban Planning
Business Administration (Supply Chain Management)
Environmental Design
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (for health-related research in space)
Materials Science
Sustainability Studies
International Studies (for global perspectives)
Electrical Engineering (for wearable technology design)
Physics (for space science and research applications)
Majors
Architecture
Industrial Design
Graphic Design (for virtual simulations/technologies)
Computer Science (for virtual simulations/technologies)
Design, Arts
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Urban Planning
Business Administration (Supply Chain Management)
Environmental Design
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (for health-related research in space)
Materials Science
Sustainability Studies
International Studies (for global perspectives)
Electrical Engineering (for wearable technology design)
Physics (for space science and research applications)
Years
First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025); 2nd Year Students; 3rd Year Students; 4th Year Students- Seniors; ASU Online; Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 149
Center name: Center for Biology and Society
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Jane Maienschein
Project description
The Embryo Project involves carrying out research and learning to write for a general audience, producing a cluster of articles that are reviewed and (if accepted) published in the Embryo Project Encylopedia. Research participation begins with the Embryo Project Writing Seminar, which is a structured class as a writers workshop that meets Wednesdays 3:15-5:30. We can accept up to 10 students for the course total, including graduate students and undergraduates, and we typically have 1-3 as Barrett College Fellows in fall and spring.
Special skills needed
Interest in writing about scientific ideas for a general public, willingness to learn with and from others in a writers workshop, and interest in the broad field of embryos, development, reproduction, abortion, eugenics, and related topics, and the historical and social context. life sciences, health sciences, communication, journalism, history, philosophy, law, policy, and many others.
Majors
Majors: life sciences, health sciences, communication, journalism, history, philosophy, law, policy, and many others
Years
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Project # 154
Center name: Barrett
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Michael Ostling
Project description
The Database aims to record all surviving data about the trials of alleged witches in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth over a three-hundred year period. It further intends to make this information publicly available in a searchable, interactive form, allowing researchers and other interested parties to sort, trace, and explore the contours of a series of trials that took the lives of at least 1000 women and men.
Responsibilities: The Database is in a late state of development. Whereas in the past we have benefited from the skills of students with a broad range of abilities (from software coding to bibliography to cartography) at this point the project needs the help of a student with strong Polish-language abilities. The student would deepen the database by finding, sorting, and translating original historical materials, placing these in appropriate database cells, and ensuring quality control through rigorous proof-reading. Student must have reading ability in Polish at the advanced, fluent, or native-speaker level, and must have a willingness to work with difficult historical materials.
Special skills needed
web design, Excel, coding, proof-reading, archival and library research, translation, database management, bibliography
Majors
history, anthropology, women and gender studies, literature, religious studies, computer science, design
Years
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Project # 155
Center name: Active Schools & Communities Lab
Campus/Location: Downtown
Faculty lead: Allison Poulos
Project description
Join Dr. Allison Poulos in the College of Health Solutions and an interdisciplinary research team to support our local communities to make the streets safer for walking, riding, and rolling. We work with City partners to evaluate changes in safety and human behavior after changes to the built environment. Our team meets weekly on the Downtown Campus on Thursdays from 11-1 and includes a large group of students ranging from first-year undergrads to post-doctoral fellows from various programs throughout ASU. You would assist with data collection including conducting surveys and environmental assessments of street and neighborhood conditions, tallying pedestrian and vehicular traffic counts, data management, and dissemination of results. This research provides a great opportunity for hands-on, community-based research with community partners in government and non-profit spaces.
Special skills needed
Interest in health, sustainability, safety, design; Interest in community-based work; Availability on Thursdays between 11-1
Majors
Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Population Health, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Design, Sustainability, Psychology, Education
Years
-First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025)
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics and Mathematics, Education, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 156
Center name: Active Schools & Communities Lab
Campus/Location: Downtown
Faculty lead: Allison Poulos
Project description
Recess is a critical setting to support children's healthy growth and development. Across, the U.S., the number of states passing legislation mandating daily school recess continues to increase; however, we don't have a good understanding of actual practices in schools. Join Dr. Allison Poulos in the College of Health Solutions and an interdisciplinary student and faculty group at other universities across 14 states to measure the relationship between recess policies and practices in elementary schools. On this project, you would assist with administering a statewide survey to schools in Arizona, data management, data analysis, and dissemination of results. The goal of our project is to translate evidence from our survey directly to school administrators, champions, and policymakers to support children's health. Our team meets in person on the Downtown campus every Wednesday from 11-1.
Special skills needed
Availability to meet in person on Wednesdays from 11-1 on the Downtown Campus; interest in health promotion, community-based research, policy, education
Majors
Health, Education, Communication, Sustainability, Humanities, Social Work
Years
-First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025)
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Data Analytics and Mathematics, Education, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 157
Center name: Active Schools & Communities Lab
Campus/Location: Downtown
Faculty lead: Allison Poulos
Project description
Interested in supporting elementary schools to make informed decisions about supporting children's health and movement when it's hot? Join Dr. Allison Poulos and our interdisciplinary study team to learn about the strategies used and challenges schools face; and collect data to identify how adding shade and greenspace to schoolyards can decrease children's thermal exposure and improve health. Students would get hands-on experience collecting and analyzing data. Availability to meet in person on Wednesdays from 11-1 on the Downtown Campus required.
Special skills needed
Interest in health, sustainability, education, design; Availability on Wednesdays from 11-1
Majors
Health, Education, Sustainability, Design, Engineering, Data Analytics, Policy
Years
-First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025)
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Data Analytics and Mathematics, Education, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 171
Center name: New Carbon Economy Consortium (NCEC)
Campus/Location: Tempe; Flexible to remote and/or in-person
Faculty lead: Krista O'Brien
Project description
The New Carbon Economy Consortium (NCEC) is an alliance of universities, national labs, and NGOs working in partnership with industry leaders to build a carbon-conscious world. NCEC hosts members with carbon removal solutions in Engineered Solutions, Biological Solutions, and Hybrid Solutions as well as Finance, Governance, Policy, Business, and Entrepreneurship.
The NCEC Insights project intends to educate a broad audience on cutting edge solutions in carbon sequestration, use, and storage. These solutions range from technical solutions like mechanical carbon sequestration to natural solutions such as “blue carbon” which utilizes coastal ecosystems to capture and store carbon. The Barrett Fellows will be tasked with 1) conducting research into up-and-coming carbon solutions, 2) interviewing researchers and practitioners in fields of carbon capture, use, and storage, and 3) drafting written deliverables. This project will expand students' knowledge of carbon capture concepts and allow students to develop climate communication skills, as the insights will communicate complex topics to the general public.
The faculty lead for this project is Amanda Ellis, but Krista O'brien is the secretariat and primary manager of the New Carbon Economy Consortium. NCEC falls under the Global Partnerships department within the Global Futures Laboratory.
Special skills needed
Required:
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in email communication
Self-motivated to work independently and meet deadlines in a timely manner
An interest in climate action and carbon solutions
Experience working on a team
Preferred:
Understanding of various CO₂ concepts such as CO₂ sequestration, conversion, storage, and mineralization.
Experience conducting interviews English, Communications, Journalism, Sustainability, Engineering, Education (flexible on major if they fulfill the required & preferred skills through course work and professional experience)
Majors
English, Communications, Journalism, Sustainability, Engineering, Education (flexible on major if they fulfill the required & preferred skills through course work and professional experience)
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics and Mathematics, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 191
Center name: Strategic Partnerships & Networks, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Liz A. Dorn
Project description
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is a global competition that recognizes, supports, and amplifies women entrepreneurs advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative, community‑driven business solutions. Co‑convened by Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, Vital Voices Global Partnership, and the UN Foundation, the Challenge annually selects 25 outstanding women entrepreneurs from around the world, culminating in the selection of five Awardees who participate in high‑level engagements during UN Global Goals Week.
This Barrett Fellows project offers students a substantive, research‑driven opportunity to contribute to a global women’s leadership initiative at the intersection of sustainability, entrepreneurship, gender equity, and social innovation. Working approximately 10 hours per week, Fellows will support the program’s research, communications, and storytelling efforts. Fellows will engage in applied research and qualitative analysis that strengthens the program’s understanding and communication of women‑led innovation worldwide.
Core responsibilities may include:
*Conducting qualitative interviews with the Top 25 Finalists to gather insights on their entrepreneurial journeys, sustainability impacts, and community leadership.
* Synthesizing interview findings into research‑based written deliverables such as finalist profiles, feature stories, and short‑form content that translate complex global challenges into accessible, compelling narratives.
* Analyzing and refining the WE Empower Challenge's digital communications strategy, including research on best practices for elevating global social impact initiatives on LinkedIn and other platforms.
Through this work, Fellows will deepen their understanding of:
* Global sustainability challenges and the SDGs
* Women‑led entrepreneurship and social innovation
* Qualitative research methods and cross‑cultural interviewing
* Strategic communications and impact storytelling
These skills are highly relevant to careers in sustainability, international development, journalism, public policy, global studies, and social impact leadership.
The faculty lead for this project is Amanda Ellis, with Liz A. Dorn serving as the primary project manager for the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge. The Challenge is housed within the Strategic Partnerships & Networks portfolio of the Global Futures Laboratory.
Special skills needed
Required:
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in email communication
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks
Interest in sustainability, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, or global development
Experience working collaboratively on a team
Preferred:
Prior interviewing experience (journalistic, academic, or qualitative research)
Familiarity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Experience with social media strategy, especially LinkedIn
Coursework or experience in communications, journalism, sustainability, global studies, business, or gender studies
Majors
Communications, Journalism, Sustainability, Global Studies, Business/Entrepreneurship, Gender Studies, Public Policy
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Business and Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media
Project # 194
Center name: American Indian Policy Institute
Campus/Location: Downtown; Fully remote; Flexible to remote and/or in-person
Faculty lead: Brooke Curleyhair
Project description
This project is designed for students interested in the intersection of Indigenous law, public policy, and governance, particularly those considering law school or policy-oriented careers. Under the mentorship of faculty and staff at the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI), students will engage in a structured research and writing experience focused on a legal or policy issue impacting Indigenous peoples in the United States or internationally.
Students will develop a focused research question, examine the historical and legal foundations of the issue, and analyze contemporary federal, state, tribal, or international policy developments. As part of this work, students will contribute to AIPI’s ongoing policy analysis efforts by assisting with legislative and Federal Register tracking, maintaining and updating a shared policy spreadsheet, and drafting summaries of relevant policy developments in collaboration with AIPI researchers. These activities will support, rather than replace, their individual research project.
Students will produce a final written product, such as a policy brief, research article, or blog post, with opportunities for publication through AIPI’s policy blog and/or the Law Journal for Social Justice’s online platform. Year-long projects may support submission to a law or policy journal.
Special skills needed
This project is intended to facilitate learning opportunities in advanced research and academic writing techniques. While a specific set of qualifications is not required, we recommend students with some experience engaging in academic research and writing apply for this opportunity.
Majors
ANY major! Policies touching all facets of everyday life, from education to health to engineering, impact Indigenous peoples. The more research we do on these diverse issues, the more prepared and empowered Indigenous communities will be to develop quality of life-enhancing solutions!
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics and Mathematics, Education, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 196
Center name: Global Center for Applied Health Research
Campus/Location: Downtown
Faculty lead: Flavio Marsiglia
Project description
Research Communication and Dissemination Assistant will support the Global Center by enhancing its research dissemination and public health education strategy through research briefs, social media content strategy, marketing materials, website content and reports. Ideal for a student interested in research journalism, communications, marketing, public health education, health communication, social media marketing and/or public relations.
Special skills needed
social media, graphic design, report writing, journalism, communications, public health
Majors
Graphic design, journalism, communications, public health
Years
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-3rd Year Students
-2nd Year Students
-First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Health and Wellness, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Project # 226
Center name: Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety
Campus/Location: Fully remote
Faculty lead: Danielle Wallace
Project description
Many states and local jurisdictions have created disability registries (a.k.a. special needs or vulnerable persons registries), or lists managed by police departments that capture individuals’ disability and other related information that is useful to officers during encounters. Once individuals register, these databases inform officers of individuals’ disability and accommodation needs during an encounter. However, registries are not universally accepted. Common critiques of registries include concerns about registry data being outdated/inaccurate or not private, insufficient in the absence of police training, and stigmatizing. Even with these critiques, registries are being widely used nationally without any causal evidence to suggest they work. We ask: what effect do disability registries have on reducing the frequency and amount of force used in police-citizen encounters during discretionary stops? Undergraduate researchers will help to buildout the registry database by collecting information from police departments and double-checking the information in the database. Additional data collection about disability services in the area may be needed. There may be opportunities to present and write reports and other publications for students who are interested. The faculty lead on this project is Dr. Danielle Wallace in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Special skills needed
data entry, emailing (and emailing etiquette), timeliness, work in teams, detail oriented, willing to ask questions
Majors
Any major in the social sciences or health sciences
Years
-First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025)
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Health and Wellness, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Project # 232
Center name: Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center
Campus/Location: Tempe; Fully remote/Remote considered
Faculty lead: Alex Ma
Project description
The instructor has a contract with Taylor and Francis to write a monograph on Creative Producing, which is also intended to be used as a textbook. Participating students may research additional materials, create figures and illustrations, and review and provide feedback to support the instructor’s writing. While it may be less academically challenging, it presents a valuable opportunity for someone interested in the intersection of filmmaking practice, film studies, and the entertainment industry.
Special skills needed
Knowledge or strong interest in:
Filmmaking practice, film producing, film studies, and the entertainment industry
Majors
Filmmaking, film studies, communication, business and other related disciplines
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media
Project # 234
Center name: Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center
Campus/Location: Tempe; Fully remote/Remote considered
Faculty lead: Alex Ma
Project description
In this animation/filmmaking hybrid project incorporating generative AI, students will collaborate with faculty members from different schools within the Herberger Institute to experiment with various AI-integrated workflows and document and evaluate the reliability of outcomes. Given the rapidly evolving nature of generative AI, the project's aims and scope may adapt over time. This project is particularly suitable for students with an interest in generative AI and filmmaking who also possess an exploratory mindset.
Special skills needed
Knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
Animation, filmmaking, and media production
Generative AI tools (e.g., text-to-video)
Creative coding
Majors
Animation, Film, Media Arts and Sciences, Computer Science, and other related disciplines
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Engineering, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media
Project # 240
Center name: Center for Science and the Imagination
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Ruth Wylie
Project description
The CSI Lab is a new undergraduate research and experiential learning program at the Center for Science and the Imagination (CSI). The program offers selected undergraduates the opportunity to work closely with CSI faculty and staff on applied projects that translate speculative thinking, futures methods, and science fiction into real-world public engagement and community impact. Students in the CSI Lab will contribute meaningfully to ongoing CSI initiatives while developing skills in research, creative production, collaboration, and futures-oriented problem solving.
The CSI Lab is designed as a mentored research experience, emphasizing hands-on work, iterative experimentation, and public-facing outputs. Projects will culminate in tangible deliverables such as curricula, media products, reports, toolkits, or public presentations.
Each CSI Lab cohort will pursue projects in one of two primary categories:
1. Public Engagement for Imagination and Futures Thinking
Students will adapt prior CSI work—such as science fiction stories from CSI anthologies, research reports, or speculative design projects—into new formats for education and public engagement. Working with CSI staff, students may:
* Develop classroom-ready curriculum modules or lesson plans
* Produce short-form social media videos or digital storytelling content
* Create informal learning materials for museums, libraries, or community organizations
* Translate speculative narratives into workshops, games, or interactive experiences
These projects emphasize accessibility, storytelling, and the translation of complex ideas into engaging formats for broad audiences.
2. Futures Clinics with Community Partners
Students will participate in a “futures clinic” model, providing consulting-style futures services to external partners such as nonprofits, government teams, or civic organizations. Under CSI staff supervision, students may:
* Conduct horizon scanning and trend research
* Facilitate futures workshops or scenario exercises
* Co-create speculative artifacts that help partners explore long-term possibilities
* Produce written or visual reports that synthesize insights and recommendations
Futures clinic projects prioritize ethical engagement, mutual learning, and practical value for partner organizations.
Special skills needed
Required: Collaboration, communication, creativity, reliability, and a sense of adventure
Interest in community-based work, futures foresight
Majors
All majors are encouraged to apply
Years
-First Year Students (new to ASU Fall 2025)
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 249
Center name: Jessica Quinton
Campus/Location: Downtown; Flexible to remote and/or in-person
Faculty lead: Jessica Quinton
Project description
Care is defined as “a species activity that includes everything we do to maintain, continue, and repair our “world” so that we can live in it as well as possible.” Throughout our lives, we are all recipients and providers of care.
This research is interested in private and public urban green spaces (e.g., yards and parks) as sites of care. Fellows can get involved in this research by 1) analyzing social media data to identify how parenting influencers portray the role of green spaces in their care work; 2) observing park users to identify patterns in where and how pet and/or childcare takes place; 3) surveying park users about their care routines; and/or 4) conducting interviews with caregivers about their green space use. Depending on what Fellows wish to be involved in, they can gain skills in collecting and analyzing social media, observational, survey, or interview data. They can also gain skills in literature reviews and writing if they wish to co-author an academic journal manuscript.
Special skills needed
Dependent on the research question and level of involvement chosen:
- Attention to detail
- Comfort in outdoor settings
- Familiarity with social media platforms
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Majors
Any social science major
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 256
Center name: Global Futures Office of Research Development and Strategy
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Ann Marie Hess
Project description
Public universities are navigating a period of rapid change in federal research funding, priorities, and regulatory expectations. As competition increases and safeguards vary across programs, institutions face complex decisions about how to balance innovation, responsibility, and public trust. This project treats the university itself as a research subject, examining emerging models of public-interest academic research that integrate discovery, implementation, and accountability. Barrett Fellows will analyze funding programs, research structures, and institutional responses to identify design options that allow universities to support diverse research pathways while remaining competitive and publicly accountable.
Special skills needed
Analytical thinking, qualitative research, policy or market analysis, synthesis writing, comfort working with complex systems
Majors
Business (Strategy, Entrepreneurship),
Public Policy,
Political Science,
Economics,
Sustainability,
Global Studies,
Sociology,
Journalism or Communication
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Business and Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics and Mathematics, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sustainability
Project # 267
Center name: Desert Botanical Garden - The Hernandez Lab
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Tania Hernandez
Project description
The Hernandez Lab at the Desert Botanical Garden is a collaborative team of researchers, students, interns, and volunteers dedicated to the study and conservation of desert plant biodiversity, with a particular focus on cacti and agaves, two of the plant groups under the highest threat of extinction. We integrate cutting-edge DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses with innovative conservation tools, an international network of collaborators, and a strong local community of committed volunteers to generate knowledge that guides the protection and long-term persistence of species. We believe plant conservation is both a scientific imperative and a shared responsibility, and our work centers on understanding genetic diversity, adaptation, and resilience in desert plants; especially in the face of climate change. Through mentorship, research, and hands-on programs such as the Saguaro Initiatives, we connect science, community, and action to safeguard desert ecosystems for future generations.
To learn more about our work, visit https://www.hernandezlab-dbg.com/
Project Location: Desert Botanical Garden and remote work
Special skills needed
Saguaros are more than symbols of the Sonoran Desert, they are living neighbors in our cities. From backyards and schoolyards to street medians and parks, thousands of saguaros live in urban landscapes. These urban saguaros tell a powerful story about how wildlife and people share space in a rapidly changing desert.
The Saguaro Initiatives at Desert Botanical Garden are a coordinated, community-driven effort to understand, protect, and secure the future of saguaros in urban environments, where climate change, extreme heat, and development are placing unprecedented stress on this iconic species.
** Saguaro Census Community Engagement Coordinator, Honors Student or Intern **
The Saguaro Census in the Phoenix Valley is a community-building, citizen-science program that brings people together to care for one of our most iconic desert plants. By encouraging residents to observe, record, and learn about saguaros in their neighborhoods, the program builds a strong network of support while raising awareness about the growing vulnerability of desert plants. Through this simple act of paying attention, participants help improve and preserve our urban landscapes and reconnect with nature—even in the heart of the city.
Requisites
- Strong interest in community engagement, conservation, or environmental education
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Enjoys coordinating activities, working with people, and supporting community science
- Comfortable interacting with volunteers and the public
- Availability of approximately 5–10 hours per week (with some seasonal flexibility)
- Ability to participate in a bi-weekly advisory meeting and a quarterly full-team meeting
Benefits
- Hands-on experience in community-based conservation and citizen science
- Leadership and coordination skills through managing volunteers and outreach activities
- Training in science communication and public engagement
- Mentorship from conservation scientists and staff at Desert Botanical Garden
- Networking opportunities with volunteers, students, and community partners
- Resume-building experience with a visible, high-impact conservation program
Majors
Biology, Biological Sciences (Biology and Society), Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology), Biology (Environmental Justice), Communication, Organizational Leadership, Education, Innovation in Society, Project Management, Community Advocacy, Sustainability
Years
-2nd Year Students
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Law, Justice, and Public Service, Sustainability
Project # 271
Center name: Desert Botanical Garden - The Hernandez Lab
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Tania Hernandez
Project description
The Hernandez Lab at the Desert Botanical Garden is a collaborative team of researchers, students, interns, and volunteers dedicated to the study and conservation of desert plant biodiversity, with a particular focus on cacti and agaves, two of the plant groups under the highest threat of extinction. We integrate cutting-edge DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses with innovative conservation tools, an international network of collaborators, and a strong local community of committed volunteers to generate knowledge that guides the protection and long-term persistence of species. We believe plant conservation is both a scientific imperative and a shared responsibility, and our work centers on understanding genetic diversity, adaptation, and resilience in desert plants; especially in the face of climate change. Through mentorship, research, and hands-on programs such as the Saguaro Initiatives, we connect science, community, and action to safeguard desert ecosystems for future generations.
To learn more about our work, visit https://www.hernandezlab-dbg.com/
Project Location: Desert Botanical Garden and remote work
Special skills needed
** Science Communication & Digital Content Coordinator Honors Student, Intern, or Collaborator **
Effective conservation depends not only on strong science, but on our ability to communicate that science clearly, creatively, and responsibly to diverse audiences. The Hernández Lab places a high value on transparent, engaging, and accessible science communication that connects research, community, and action.
The Science Communication & Digital Content Coordinator will be responsible for helping shape and maintain the public-facing voice of the Hernández Lab. This role focuses on website content, newsletters, blog posts, and digital storytelling related to Sonoran Desert plant conservation, lab research, student projects, the Saguaro Initiatives, and CryoBank activities. The coordinator will work closely with the Hernández Lab team and Desert Botanical Garden’s Marketing and Communications staff to ensure all content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with DBG standards and messaging.
This is an excellent opportunity for a student or early-career professional interested in science communication, conservation storytelling, and digital outreach within a research and museum setting.
Requisites
• Strong interest in science communication, conservation, or environmental storytelling
• Excellent written communication skills (English required; Spanish a plus)
• Interest or experience in website content management, newsletters, blogging, or digital media
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, students, and communications professionals
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Availability of approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Ability to participate in a bi-weekly advisory meeting and a quarterly full-team meeting
• Access to a personal computer and reliable internet
Benefits
• Hands-on experience in conservation science communication within a major botanical institution
• Training in translating scientific research into public-facing content
• Experience working with DBG Marketing to develop institutionally approved media content
• Portfolio-building opportunities (website pages, newsletters, blog posts, outreach materials)
• Mentorship from conservation scientists and science communicators
• Networking opportunities across research, conservation, and communications teams
• Resume-building experience in a visible, high-impact conservation program
Majors
Biology, Biological Sciences (Biology & Society), Conservation Biology, Communication, Journalism, Digital Media, Marketing, Sustainability, Innovation in Society, Environmental Studies, or related
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Art, Architecture, and Design, Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Education, Journalism, Communication, and Mass Media, Sustainability
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