Student Post: My Research Assistantship with Dr. Eve Ewing

We reached out to Leah Castleberry, MPP Class of 2020, to ask about her work as a Research Associate at the Beyond Schools Lab, directed by Dr. Eve L. Ewing. The Beyond Schools Lab is a small research group focused on understanding the how seemingly non-educational structures of social inequality—issues such as affordable housing, transit access, gender inequality, immigration policies, and policing—shape the everyday lives of young people and their experiences with school.

How did you hear about this opportunity?

I’m a big fan of Dr. Ewing’s work, including her research focused on Black Chicago, her poetry, and Marvel’s Iron Heart comic book series. In spring of 2019, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ewing for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs' Spring Heritage Series. We discussed everything from growing up in Chicago to being a woman of color in academia. Dr. Ewing also mentioned that her next book would be focused on the topic of Black out-migration from the city of Chicago. Following the interview, I expressed to Dr. Ewing that I would be interested in assisting her with the project. Though she did not have an opening on her research team at the time, we kept in touch over the next several months. Nearly a year after our interview, she reached out to me when she was expanding her team and asked if I was still interested in joining, and I jumped at the opportunity!

What does your work entail, and what are some of the most interesting projects in this role?

The city of Chicago has made headlines for the fact that our Black population has declined steadily over the last several years. I am currently working on the “Outer City Children” project in preparation for Dr. Ewing’s book.

In my role, I am facilitating focus groups and interviews with Black Chicagoans who have considered moving away from the city or have been significantly impacted by the recent demographic shifts and how the city has changed as a result. This is critical for capturing the stories and experiences of real residents to complement what we know the quantitative data shows.

I am always interested in expanding my skillset and experiences in areas I’m passionate about, and as a third generation Chicagoan and South Sider, this particular project is very near and dear to my heart.

What have you learned at Harris that has come in handy in your assistantship?

Quantitative data analysis skills are the hallmark of the Harris education. Through the Core curriculum, we learn the importance of using data to tell a story.

As a Research Associate with the Beyond Schools Lab, I’ve been able to further develop my qualitative research skills as well. By using both quantitative and qualitative data, we are able to tell an ever richer, more powerful story about our city and the lived experiences of its residents.

What tips do you have for incoming students who are thinking about finding an assistantship?

As we face a global pandemic, we must think outside of the box when it comes to networking and searching for opportunities to gain research experience on campus.

Begin by exploring the centers and institutes affiliated with Harris and the broader university. Harris has quite a few that are doing very interesting work locally, nationally, and internationally. Additionally, keep an eye out for research opportunities posted to both Harris Link and Grad Gargoyle: there are often research roles both internal and external to the university posted here. I would suggest browsing these platforms weekly to remain abreast to opportunities, which may fill quickly.

Reach out to faculty across the university who are conducting work in your field of interest. Do your research and come prepared to introduce yourself, ask questions, and share how you would contribute to their work should an opening become available. This presents an opportunity to develop authentic relationships with professors in your field. As with my case, even if there is not an opportunity to work with them immediately, they may keep you in mind or refer you for future openings.

Read more about Leah on the Office of Civic Engagement website, where she was featured as a recipient of the HBCU and HSI Bridge Scholarship.