Foundational Requirements for All Opportunities
- Be curious.
- Turn passion into action.
- Be reflective.
- Ask questions.
- Respond to communication from NExUS-MS Members.
- Be mindful of the fact that time is a nonrenewable resource.
- Complete NExUS-MS Orientation Modules as assigned in Canvas Shell*
NExUS-MS Research Assistantship
Project Objective: Study the implementation of NExUS-MS curricular artifacts being developed by NExUS-MS Graduate Students
Project Location:
Applied Responsibilities:
Scholarly Responsibilities:
Project Location:
- In Person at the Hattiesburg Zoo
- Online Collaboration (Microsoft Teams)
Applied Responsibilities:
- Conduct weekly or bi-weekly 2-hour long observations of docent shifts
- Foster welcoming, inclusive, honest, and open communication with diverse audiences (e.g., Hattiesburg Zoo guests, NExUS-MS team Members, Hattiesburg Zoo staff)
- Document qualitative and quantitative data related to docent interactions:
- Duration of Engagement (e.g., timed)
- Record Artifacts Used by Docent
- Record Docent Interactions
- Reflect on interactions with collaborating NExUS-MS group members and Hattiesburg Zoo staff
- Wear appropriate USM-specific and/or Hattiesburg Zoo attire while collecting data
- maintain secure and organized data storage procedures
Scholarly Responsibilities:
- familiarize oneself with relevant peer-reviewed literature related to the observations and questions emerging from data collection
- timely and quality preparation of written work as requested by Dr. Wallace and/or other NExUS-MS group members
- Respect the rigor and complexity educational research demands
- Complete Human Subjects Training with USM credentials through CITI program*
NExUS-MS Docent Education
Project Objective: Mobilize NExUS-MS curricular artifacts and Hattiesburg Zoo Education materials
Project Location:
Applied Responsibilities:
Project Location:
- In-Person at the Hattiesburg Zoo
Applied Responsibilities:
- San Diego Zoo Animal Welfare Training (Online)
- Complete 4-hour docent shifts weekly or bi-weekly at the Hattiesburg Zoo
- Foster welcoming, inclusive, honest, and open communication with diverse audiences (e.g., Hattiesburg Zoo guests, NExUS-MS team Members, Hattiesburg Zoo staff)
- Wear appropriate USM-specific and/or Hattiesburg Zoo attire
- Complete required training modules in NExUS-MS Canvas shell
- Document quantitative data (i.e., # interactions) in alignment with NExUS-MS protocols
Funding Opportunities
There are a few different pathways into funded/paid experiences to work with NExUS-MS Research Group as an undergraduate.
- WORK/STUDY: Check to see if you qualify for work/study funds through the university. If so, we can set you up as a work/study student!
- BUILD CAPACITY: Start as volunteer and build connections with the NExUS-MS community as extended reliable volunteer commitments have often lead many students Dr. Wallace works with to future paid opportunities.
- GRANTS: Apply for internal or external funding opportunities:
- USM Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research
- DCUR Summer Research Grant Program
- Summer Research Program ($5,000)
- Applications due March 15th
- Summer Research Program ($5,000)
- Eagle Spur Program ($1,500)
- Spring & Summer Project Applications are due October 15th
- Spring and Fall Projects Applications due March 15th
- USM Gulf Scholars Program
- DCUR Summer Research Grant Program
- USM Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research