Research Intern Project GAMBLE (Little Saigon)At — CSUF - Public Health

Project GAMBLE is a community-engaged research initiative focused on problematic gambling and mental health outcomes in Little Saigon. We are seeking a committed and detail-oriented Research Fellow to support field-based data collection and qualitative analysis supervised by Dr. Sami. This role offers mentoring and hands-on experience in public health research, community engagement, and social justice-oriented inquiry. The Fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Mojgan Sami, in collaboration with UCI’s Research Justice Shop (RJS), VietCARE and Moving Forward Psychological Institute (MFPI) in Fountain Valley, California.

Learning Outcomes  

By the end of the internship, students will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of community-based research logistics and coordination.
Apply ethical standards and IRB guidelines in real-world research settings.
Develop skills in accurate data collection, management, and documentation.
Gain hands-on experience in qualitative research methods, including coding and thematic analysis.
Strengthen ability to synthesize findings into visual summaries and concise reports.
Enhance collaboration and communication skills through team-based research projects.
Understand the process of refining research instruments and methodologies based on pilot feedback.

Training  

Training Methods

1. Accompaniment and Shadowing
   Interns will initially accompany the supervisor or experienced team members during fieldwork and data collection activities.
   This hands-on approach allows interns to observe best practices and gradually take on responsibilities with guidance.
2. Weekly Progress Meetings
   Interns will attend scheduled weekly meetings with the supervisor to review progress, address challenges, and clarify tasks.
   These meetings provide structured feedback and ensure alignment with research protocols and ethical standards.
3. Skill-Building Workshops and Tutorials
   Short training sessions will be provided on key topics such as qualitative coding, IRB compliance, and data visualization.
   These workshops may include demonstrations, practice exercises, and Q&A to reinforce learning.

Tasks/Duties  

Internship Key Responsibilities (Under the Guidance of the Supervisor)

Provide logistical support to Dr. Sami and project partners to ensure smooth coordination of research activities.
Assist with logistics for community-based observational surveys in designated settings (e.g., businesses, public spaces, institutions) under the guidance of the supervisor.
Accurately record and log field data in compliance with research protocols and ethical standards, as directed by the supervisor.
Organize and manage qualitative data, including field notes and interview transcripts, under the supervision of Dr. Sami.
Support basic qualitative analysis, such as coding and thematic synthesis, under the guidance of the supervisor.
Collaborate with the research team to refine survey instruments and methodologies based on pilot feedback, as directed by the supervisor.
Create visual summaries or brief internal reports of findings under the guidance of the supervisor.
Attend weekly team meetings and provide progress updates and discuss challenges under the supervision of Dr. Sami.
Ensure compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines, particularly regarding privacy and informed consent, under the guidance of the supervisor.