VIBES-OC (IBII Internship) - Dr. Harrison (fall26')At — CSUF - College of Humanities & Social Science

VIBES-OC is a multi-phase research initiative focused on developing in-depth oral history explorations of the life and legacy of prominent Black individuals. Students will gather and preserve stories of Black presence, leadership, initiative, and success in Orange County, creating an archive that will inform future scholarship and community dialogue. One of our current projects centers on the life and legacy of Bobby McDonald, current President of the Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce. In the fall, we will shift into:
- Coding qualitative interview data
- Contributing to a written research article
- Presenting findings at a conference
This project also includes occasional opportunities to attend community events and banquets when invited, which gives students a chance to engage more directly with the Black community of Orange County.

Learning Outcomes  

Apply oral history research principles to the development and implementation of a semi-structured interview protocol.
Demonstrate ethical and culturally responsive research practices, including informed consent and respectful engagement with community participants.

Conduct qualitative data analysis using systematic coding techniques to identify themes and patterns in interview data.

Collaborate with a research team to interpret findings and connect individual narratives to developmental and ecological theories.

Communicate research processes and findings effectively through a poster presentation at SCCUR.

Training  

Provide direct instruction on oral history methodology, interview design, and ethical research practices.
Model qualitative research skills through guided walkthroughs of interview protocols, transcription processes, and coding strategies.

Facilitate hands-on training sessions using sample interview data to practice qualitative coding and thematic analysis.

Offer ongoing mentorship through regular research meetings, feedback on student work, and reflective discussions.

Support professional development by coaching students in academic presentation skills and conference preparation.

Tasks/Duties  

Assisting in the development and refinement of an oral history interview protocol.
Participating in or conducting oral history interviews under faculty supervision.

Transcribing and organizing interview data in preparation for analysis.

Coding qualitative data and contributing to the identification of emerging themes.

Participating in research team meetings to discuss findings and methodological decisions.

Preparing visual and written materials for a collaborative presentation at SCCUR.

Internship Term Summer