Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Analysis of Urban Food Inequality
This research assistantship is hybrid (some in-person work, some remote work), with opportunity for the 2023-2024 academic year. The lead faculty is Dr. Kenan Li.
All SURGE positions are part-time with a maximum of 20 hours per week. Anything over the 20 hour mark will be considered volunteer time and cannot be compensated.
Please review the project description and qualifications below, and submit your resume and a brief written statement (cover letter) explaining your interest in this area and your qualifications.
Project description
This study aims to explore the linkages between human mobility and access to food, with a particular emphasis on analyzing food inequality in urban areas.
The research will gather data on human mobility from various sources to map the availability of food resources such as grocery stores and food banks. This information will be combined with demographic and socioeconomic data to gain a thorough understanding of food access and inequality in the community.
The research participants will be responsible for collecting, mapping, and analyzing data on human mobility, demographics, and socioeconomic factors, as well as the distribution of grocery stores and food banks. By using innovative statistical methods, they will examine the relationships between these variables and propose practical recommendations for policymakers and community organizations to address food inequality.
Day-to-day
The duties of this study include:
- Data Collection: Collecting data on human mobility, demographics, and socioeconomic factors, as well as the distribution of grocery stores and food banks. This data may come from various sources such as surveys, GPS tracking, and government databases.
- Data Mapping: Mapping the data collected to visually display the distribution of food resources and access points in the community.
- Data Analysis: Analyzing the data using statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships between human mobility, demographics, and food access.
- Literature Review: Conducting a literature review to stay up-to-date with the latest research in the field of food access and inequality.
- Report Writing: Writing reports to document the findings of the research and to present recommendations for policymakers and community organizations.
Qualifications
Preferred students will have strong abilities in data analysis and a solid understanding of statistical methods such as regression and spatial analysis.
Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping tools, such as ArcGIS or QGIS, is desirable.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis and processing is necessary.
Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely present findings, are also essential.
Time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, are also important.
Participants in this program will have excellent opportunities to hone these skills.