Submitted by Alastair Iles on
In the context of the 2020 nationwide call for racial justice, this study seeks to understand how agri-food systems scholars in the UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources approach issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the college. The Morrill Act of 1862 established at least one university in each state to teach “agricultural and mechanic arts.” Today there are 60 Historically White Land Grant Universities nationwide, including Berkeley. Each continues to receive federal and state funds to serve the public through research, teaching, and outreach on agricultural and natural resources. With this public service mandate, what do members of the Rausser College of Natural Resources think the college should be doing, and *is* doing? This study is aimed at understanding the mechanisms and barriers to organizational change for JEDI, specifically in agri-food systems education and research, through an in-depth interview-based study of on institution.
The undergraduate students’ role will be careful cleaning and management of interview transcription files. The students will be working with audio files and existing draft transcripts. While the day-to-day project work involves the technical aspects of qualitative research, students will also engage with the intellectual content of the study through weekly discussions of relevant literature from Critical Race Theory, Critical Whiteness Studies, and organizational change. The project hours include time for reading.
This project is flexible for in-person or remote work.
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Extreme attention to detail!
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Skills in file organization and version management in Microsoft Word.
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Strong communication skills.
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Both a collaborative approach to teamwork and motivation to complete independent work to meet deadlines.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive material.
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Interest in and exposure to qualitative social science research methods.
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Interest in and exposure to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly as it applies to higher education, agri-food systems, and/or environmental studies.
Note that all students will be required to complete the UC Berkeley Committee for Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) Human Subjects Research Training. Prior experience with transcriptions work is preferred but not required. Training will be provided.
Students personal background and contributions to JEDI will be assessed holistically.