Field of Study:
Public Health
Department:
OSU Medical Center - Comprehensive Cancer Center
Rank of Student:
Undergraduate
Desired Majors:
Public Health, Medicine
Hours per Week:
12
Compensation Type:
Salary / Stipend
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Wilmot Sowa <Wilmot.Sowa@osumc.edu>
Private
Public
Project Description
Student research assistant for the Comprehensive Cancer Center works under direct supervision of program staff to assist in research studies investigating the roles of multiple aspects of the built environment in cancer risk factors and outcomes; main responsibility is data collection using specialized virtual neighborhood audit techniques; secondary responsibilities focus on assistance in results translation (poster creation and presentation, peer-reviewed manuscript contributions, etc.). Specifically, students will be trained to conduct visual assessments of built environment factors both in New Jersey and other States for subsequent linkage to various cancer epidemiologic datasets. Students will perform virtual neighborhood audits using a proprietary Google Street View API called CANVAS. Students will be extensively trained in performing this technique and using CANVAS. General built environment factors assessed include neighborhood disinvestment, neighborhood engagement, sidewalk walkability, and advertising environment. The 15 specific indicators that will be used to measure these factors are: presence of garbage/litter, graffiti, large dumpsters, abandoned buildings, building conditions, yard conditions, team sports equipment in public spaces, exterior decorations, outdoor seating, potted plants, road verge conditions, sidewalk presence, sidewalk condition, advertising, and sociopolitical signage. Training will be provided prior to the start of work to ensure student assistants are able to identify indicators reliably. This work will inform public health and other public services, including city planning.
70%- assist in research studies investigating the roles of multiple aspects of the built environment in cancer risk factors and outcomes; main responsibility is data collection using specialized virtual neighborhood audit techniques;
30%- focus on assistance in results translation
70%- assist in research studies investigating the roles of multiple aspects of the built environment in cancer risk factors and outcomes; main responsibility is data collection using specialized virtual neighborhood audit techniques;
30%- focus on assistance in results translation
Required Applicant Information
Full name, Major, expected graduation date, email address
Required or Desired Skills
This position is best suited for a student with strong attention to detail, the ability to stay focused during repetitive tasks, and an interest in research and public health. Success in the role requires accuracy, consistency, and the ability to follow research protocols, while strong communication skills are also valuable for assisting with poster presentations, manuscript development, and translating research findings. Experience with data collection, research projects, or analytical tasks would be an asset, but the willingness to learn and maintain high-quality work is most important.
Students will be responsible for travel to and from the work location, which currently is Olentangy River Road, Columbus.
Students will be responsible for travel to and from the work location, which currently is Olentangy River Road, Columbus.
Faculty Member Lead:
Jesse Plascak
Starting Semester:
Spring
Length of Project (in semesters):
2