Asian American Communities Research Program

Fall 2023 applications are OPEN.

Program Description for Fall 2023

This Fall 2023, HCAP is continuing the Undergraduate Research Assistants (URA) Program. This program is open to all Hunter undergraduate students interested in learning about research within the Asian American community. Students will work with Dr. Marcia Liu, HCAP Mental Health Specialist.

The focus of the Fall URA will be on Asian American College Students and their attitudes about Affirmative Action, racial stereotypes, mental health, and Asian American and Black community solidarity. The research team will review existing research on these topics and develop a semi-structured interview questionnaire to gather more data on the topic.

Student Responsibilities

Each week, students will commit to 4 hours of research work, including a research team meeting. Team meetings will take place on Zoom on seven Wednesdays this Fall: 10/11, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, and 12/6, from 1pm – 2:15pm. Accepted students must attend ALL meetings and complete tasks independently between meetings.

Meeting topics and tasks may include the following:

• Conducting literature reviews on past research focusing on Asian American identity and belonging, racial stereotypes, anti-Blackness, the NYC SHSAT, college admissions, and Black and Asian American community solidarity
• Discussing stressors and mental health experiences specific to various Asian American college students
• Identifying gaps in previous research in order to develop research and interview questions
• Identifying strategies for study recruitment and data collection
• Conducting interviews as a method for data collection
• Developing a semi-structured interview questionnaire for future IRB approval

At the end of the semester, students will produce a reflection piece about their learning experience and share about their experience at the HCAP End-of-Year celebration in June.  Students who complete the program will receive a $500 stipend at the end of the Fall semester.

Eligibility

All Hunter undergraduate students with an interest in learning more about research exploration, the Asian American community, identity, and mental health are encouraged to apply. Students will be asked to speak to their interests and commitment to this program in their applications. Students with prior research experience (e.g. enrollment in a research methods course; enrollment in Psychology, Social Sciences, or Asian American Studies Program courses; participation in previous research programs, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply.

To learn more about our past URA student projects visit our cohort page.
To learn more about our general Research Skills Program, visit our program page