Project: Living with Data Centers: Co-Producing a Framework for Climate, Community, and Infrastructure Resilience in Loudoun County, Virginia (Environmental Institute funded research project)
Overview
This research project will examine how data center expansion impacts climate resilience, energy systems, water resources, and community well-being. By integrating community perspectives with technical analyses of grid reliability, life cycle cumulative impacts, spatial imprints, and economic tradeoffs, this project will co-produce, with decision-makers and county stakeholders, a first-of-its-kind localized study of the cumulative demands of data center development in Loudoun County, Virginia-- the world’s densest concentration of data centers. This location offers a critical case study for examining how the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure intersects with climate resilience.
Project Responsibilities:
During this internship, the student research assistant (SRA) will primarily provide support to the community engagement process through project management support, and support of fall workshops and future rounds interview and focus group. This could include interviewing, transcribing, qualitative data analysis (coding), and summary report drafting. The SRA will have a chance to learn elements of the Equitable Collaboration Framework and complex facilitation as part of support to the Community Advisory Committee, the research team, and future workshops. The SRA will have the opportunity to work on community engagement products, such as data visualization and narrative for future Summary Reports or flyers / graphics/ posters for workshops and focus groups.
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
Interest in climate resilience, public policy, community engagement, or environmental justice.
Strong writing, communication, and analytical skills.
Ability to work with diverse community partners.
Experience with, or desire to learn, about qualitative research and stakeholder engagement.
Data analysis or qualitative coding familiarity helpful but not required.
Graphic design or GIS mapping skills helpful but not required.
Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.
Time Commitment: This role will involve 10-15 hrs/wk during the academic year, with a late July or early August start preferred. The role is partially remote and also includes some in person meetings at our office (2400 Old Ivy Rd.) and on Grounds.
This position is open to all UVA students; however, graduate students are preferred.
Pay Rate: Undergrads: $17 Graduate Students $19-$21.
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. You may direct questions related to this position to Kelly Altizer ( kim5f@virginia.edu).
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Resume and cover letter required.
Education: UVA student: Graduate student preferred.
Experience: none
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.