Undergraduate Research Fellow Application

The Critical Pedagogy Lab (CPL) is dedicated to research and pedagogical innovation in higher education. It focuses on providing an inclusive environment and developing infrastructure for diversity in higher education. Our partnership with the Sloan Foundation aims to address these challenges by developing digital solutions and training protocols for teaching in higher education to enhance access for and improve the experience of traditionally marginalized groups in academia.

We are now accepting applications for the Critical Pedagogy Lab. Please review the information below for details and to apply!

Our committee is currently reviewing applications and will announce final selections later this summer. Please contact info@bbqplus.org with any questions.

Eligibility

Undergraduate Research Fellows will be currently pursuing an undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree. Successful candidates will demonstrate:

  1. Interest and experience in pedagogical innovation.

  2. Experience and/or interest in conducting independent research or working in research teams with faculty.

  3. Interest in digital humanities.

  4. Interest in developing innovative pedagogical and technological tools to help marginalized students.

Scholars and students studying questions of race, gender, and colonialism, individuals from traditionally marginalized backgrounds, and individuals in HBCUs or MSIs are particularly encouraged to apply!

Benefits

We are excited to share that the Critical Pedagogy Lab offers a research stipend of $2,000 for Undergraduate Research Fellows!

Expectations

The Critical Pedagogy Lab adopts models of natural science labs, and Undergraduate Research Fellows will engage in three types of activities specific to their role:

1. Working with the PIs on the Lab’s overall project to:  

a. Assist in analyzing difficulties facing traditionally marginalized students and scholars in virtual teaching and learning. 

b. Assist in developing technological solutions to these difficulties. 

c. Assist in developing specific pedagogical modules and tools to use virtual technologies and AI. 

2. Participate in assigned research sub-group: Each student researcher will be assigned to a research subgroup led by one of the project scholar researchers (two students per group). The subgroups work on independent pedagogical projects that feed into and rely on the Lab’s project (namely, equity and diversity in virtual education). The subgroup’s project can be a syllabus, an article, software, a digital humanities project, etc. Student researchers will assist the scholar researcher leading the subgroup in developing and completing the project. Duties can include collecting empirical data, organizing bibliographies, and assisting in developing research design. Subgroups will workshop their work in the regular lab meetings. Student researchers will participate in subgroup meetings as required. 

3. Participate in weekly lab meetings: Lab meetings will alternate between: 

a. Progress meeting: Discussion of progress in the project 

b. Subgroup projects workshop: Research fellows will present and workshop subgroup projects. Subgroups will take turns presenting their work. 

c. Journal Club: This club will read and discuss materials related to virtual pedagogy. It will also invite speakers and guests to discuss their work. 

d. Co-working: time to work together and follow up on various tasks.  

The Lab and its subgroups are committed to training and introducing student research fellows to different research methods. Depending on your institution, this fellowship may meet the internship or research apprenticeship requirements.

Apply to the Critical Pedagogy Lab

Thank you for your interest in the Critical Pedagogy Lab! The application period for Undergraduate Research Fellow is now open!

Applications received by Sunday, July 20th, 2025, at midnight EDT will receive full consideration.

Please fill out the application form below. You will be asked to upload the following materials within the form:

  1. Cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining your interest in the project and your experience in conducting or assisting research projects.

  2. Research statement (1-2 pages, double-spaced): Explain one particular problem or research project that you are interested in pursuing. This could be a summary of a term paper, senior or junior thesis or other projects that you may have participated in.

  3. Curriculum Vitae.

  4. A work sample (E.G., academic writing, a digital humanities project, or any other work sample demonstrating your work and interests or term paper)